Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Joe Woods hailed Jadeveon Clowney as one of the better players in the NFL, but he is only focused on what he can control.
Adam Schefter of ESPN reported Wednesday the Browns made the best contract offer Clowney has received in free agency. However, Clowney has apparently rebuffed the team's attempts to bring him to Cleveland.
On Thursday morning, Woods called Clowney a “really great player in this league,” but said questions about the team's rumored pursuit of the pass-rusher should be directed at general manager Andrew Berry.
Woods added he is only thinking about “coaching the guys we have.”
#Browns DC Joe Woods on Jadeveon Clowney chatter "Obviously he's been a really great player in this league…that's a ? you have to ask Andrew [Berry]. I see the articles too…All I'm really focused on is coaching the guys we have"
— Daryl Ruiter (@RuiterWrongFAN) May 28, 2020
Clowney would seemingly be a perfect fit with the Browns opposite Myles Garrett. But the former No. 1 pick has yet to sign a deal in part due to questions about his value and production, he is one of the best edge-rushers in football.
Clowney had just 3.0 sacks in 13 games with the Seattle Seahawks last season. However, he ranked seventh in terms of pass rush win rate, per ESPN, and also posted a career-high four forced fumbles and two defensive touchdowns. Clowney not only sets the edge, but also excels when dropping into coverage.
Meanwhile, the Browns ranked 20th in the NFL in sacks and failed to establish a steady pass rush. The defense also lost run-stuffing linebacker Joe Schobert in the middle.
Woods is in his first year as the defensive coordinator for the Browns after serving as the defensive backs coach for the San Francisco 49ers last year.
The Browns certainly have ample cap space, though Clowney seems hesitant to go to Cleveland. In any case, Woods is not here for the speculation.
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