It wasn't the most important event of the 2023 Baltimore Ravens season, but it certainly qualifies as one of the most memorable. Jadeveon Clowney danced around after reaching 9.5 sacks during a game that coincidentally occurred vs. the hated Pittsburgh Steelers.
He had reached an incentive, and in doing so, he assured himself of a bonus. Every sack is special, especially at football's highest level. This sack tied his 2017 career high and triggered a $750,000 contract bonus.
They say money talks. Clowney had indeed received his share, as the old saying goes. However, by the end of the season, it became clear that it was a one-and-done situation. Last season, he played for the Carolina Panthers, a team located just 30 minutes from his hometown of Rock Hill, South Carolina, where he was born and raised.
His recent release from Carolina's roster makes him an unrestricted free agent again. As you'd expect, lines were crossed, connecting the dots representing him and the Ravens. Nothing came of those conversations, but the rumor mill is once again swirling.
The Ravens and Jadeveon Clowney are being mentioned in the same sentences again
"You got somebody like Jadeveon Clowney, who’s sitting out there. He knows this system, he knows this franchise, he knows this team. Do you bring him in later on in the season? Maybe it’s a one-year, $5-million deal at the end of camp."
Those were the words of CBS Baltimore's Rick Ritter. Those of you who are intrigued by a possible reunion will love listening to his recent take on the Locked on Ravens podcast.
"Whatever it (a possible deal) may be, you can’t have enough depth on the defensive line.”
There's some truth to that... in theory, but only a handful of pass rushers will make Baltimore's 53-man roster. Kyle Van Noy is in, as are Odafe Oweh and rookie Mike Green.
Undrafted rookie free agent Kaimon Rucker was added recently, and that was after Clowney became available. Might that have been the evidence we needed that the ship has sailed on the discussions of his reacquisition (if there were any)? We'll see if any genuine interest begins as we move through training camp and the preseason.
