What every AFC North team needs do before Week 1

The Browns have to get Jadeveon Clowney ready

Getting Baker Mayfield a contract extension should be on top of the Browns’ to-do list, but there’s not a ton of urgency around that move. It can get done after Week 1.

What can’t wait is making sure Jadeveon Clowney is in a position to succeed opposite Myles Garrett.

Clowney is coming off a knee injury and a subpar 2020 season. The Browns signed him to a one-year deal for 2021 based on hope. First, that he’d recover from that injury without injury. Second, that he’d regain the form he found with the Seahawks before his disappointing stint with the Titans.

It seems like a perfect match between a talented player with something to prove and a team with enough strength across the lineup to take a chance on him.

Realistically, the team needs to use kid gloves when it comes to Clowney’s health. He has a concerning injury track record. Getting him to Week 1 without any setbacks or new knocks is the key to their pass-rushing goals.