The Baltimore Ravens welcomed a surprise visitor during their training camp practices on August 8th: former no. 1 overall pick and pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney.
The 30-year-old, a former college standout part of the 2014 NFL Draft, last played for the Cleveland Browns and is now a free agent. The Ravens, in need of strengthening their pass-rushing unit, hosted Clowney for a free agency visit, leaving the possibility of a new deal up in the air.
Josina Anderson of CBS later revealed that Baltimore has, in fact, offered Clowney a contract during his visit. The player is reportedly "taking some time to think it through," and he remained in the area after visiting the Ravens facilities.
I’m told free agent DE Jadeveon Clowney received an offer from the #Ravens and is taking some time to think it through, per source.
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) August 9, 2023
Although details of a potential contract remain undisclosed, it's worth noting that Clowney's previous deal was worth $11 million for a single season. Clowney departed from the Ravens' facility without an agreement signed but reportedly knowing the terms offered by Baltimore.
Last season, Clowney appeared in 12 games, accumulating 28 tackles, a few quarterback sacks, a forced fumble, and three successful passes defended. His NFL journey has included stints with the Texans, Seahawks, Titans, and most recently, the Browns.
Considering the circumstances and how thin the Ravens' depth at pass-rushing positions is looking entering the 2023 season, it would make sense for the team to add Clowney on a one-year deal to bolster the EDGE position.
Clowney has failed to secure a multi-year agreement since his rookie deal first expired, so if he's willing to sign another one-year pact and most importantly accept a rotational role alongside other players like Oweh and Ojabo, this could be a match made in heaven for both the defender and the Ravens.
That said, if Clowney thinks the franchise is lowballing him or not offering him what he wants in terms of role and playing time, the Ravens shouldn't budge and just look into signing somebody else, such as Kyle Van Noy, who they also hosted a few days ago.