Ex-Texans Star Willing to Take Pay Cut in Emotional Plea for Ravens Super Bowl Run

Baltimore, MD – On a humid August afternoon, Jadeveon Clowney still looks like a man built for Sundays in the NFL. The 32-year-old former No. 1 overall pick has spent the offseason training relentlessly, waiting for the phone call that could change everything. And in his mind, there’s only one number worth answering — the Baltimore Ravens.

For Clowney, this isn’t about chasing the biggest paycheck or padding stats in a meaningless season. It’s about one last push for a Lombardi Trophy, in the city where he felt something rare in 2023 — belonging. “I don’t need the biggest paycheck,” Clowney said, his voice carrying the weight of a decade in the trenches. “I just need the right team, the right fight, and one last shot at a Super Bowl.”

His career has spanned six NFL teams — Texans, Seahawks, Titans, Browns, Ravens, Panthers — and included three Pro Bowl selections. In 2024 with Carolina, he posted 46 tackles and 5.5 sacks, solid numbers for any edge rusher in his thirties. But it was his 2023 stint in Baltimore, where he tied a career-high with 9.5 sacks, that reignited his fire. The chemistry with the Ravens’ locker room, the trust of the coaching staff, and the roar of M&T Bank Stadium all left a mark.

Now, Clowney is a free agent again, staring at the twilight of his career. The Ravens, meanwhile, are dealing with depth questions on the edge. Injuries and uneven development among young pass rushers have created uncertainty. For Clowney, it feels like the perfect storm — and maybe the final chapter he’s been waiting for.

He’s willing to make sacrifices to make it happen. “If money’s the problem, cut it,” Clowney said without hesitation. “I’m not here for the check — I’m here for the ring.” It’s a sentiment that resonates with fans who watched him terrorize quarterbacks in purple and black just two seasons ago.

From Baltimore’s perspective, the decision isn’t simple. Bringing Clowney back would add proven experience and leadership, but it could also limit snaps for developing talents like Mike Green, Tavius Robinson, and Adisa Isaac. “We know what Clowney brings,” one team insider said. “The question is — do we bring him back now or wait until later?”

For now, the Ravens haven’t made a move. And Clowney keeps working, fueled by the thought of returning to a defense he believes can carry him to his first Super Bowl ring. Whether Baltimore takes the leap could decide not only his final NFL destination but the closing chapter of a career that began with limitless promise.

The clock is ticking. The question lingers: Will the Ravens give Jadeveon Clowney one more shot to finish what he started in Baltimore?