What It Means:

Schefter said that he thinks Clowney is hesitant to go "because if he wasn't he would have gone already because it's the most money. It's the richest offer on the table and he hasn't taken it". Clowney remains one of the best, if not the best, defensive free agent, but has seen his market fall short of his asking price all offseason. Clowney recorded 4 sacks, 11 quarterback hits, and 43 hurries in 13 games for the Seattle Seahawks last season, earning a grade of 87.3 from Pro Football Focus, tenth best at the edge position. He would be a welcome addition to a Brown's defense that finished last season ranked 29th overall by PFF and 30th against the run. New Browns' head coach Kevin Stefanski relied heavily on an impressive Viking's defense to keep his run-heavy offense on schedule last season and is likely keen on doing the same in Cleveland.

Clowney was PFF's 11th best-graded edge against the run last season, and 16th best in pass rush.