Adrian

Clayborn

The move creates an even $3 million in cap space. 32-year-old Clayborn’s stay in Cleveland ended up being only one season. He registered four sacks on 404 snaps in 2020. Four months shy of his 33rd birthday, Clayborn will be moving onto his fourth team in four years.

Clayborn was announced as “questionable” in the first half and ruled out at halftime. Clayborn was filling in for an injured Olivier Vernon (abdomen). Vernon got in a week of limited practices and should be ready to return in Week 3.

Clayborn has been a replacement-level starter for nearly a decade, primarily with the Falcons and Bucs. He picked up 4.0 sacks last year as a 31-year-old and should be viewed as a rotational veteran at this point in his career. The Browns’ pass rush, of course, will be led by Myles Garrett.

Clayborn is returning to Atlanta after spending an unsuccessful season with the Patriots. He recorded 9.5 sacks with the Falcons in 2017, but six of those came in one game. Clayborn should provide some quality snaps, but he does not solve Atlanta’s pass-rush issues.

Clayborn inked a two-year deal with the Patriots last offseason. He appeared in 14 games for the team, earning plus marks from Pro Football Focus against the run and as a pass rusher, but he had just 2.5 sacks after registering 9.5 the year before with the Falcons. Clayborn turns 31 in July and should have a little gas left in the tank to latch on elsewhere. The move saves the Patriots over $3.9 million against the cap and $4 million in cash.

“Adrian Clayborn has changed our entire defensive line,” said DT Gerald McCoy, “with how he rushes, the pressure he puts on quarterbacks and his constant effort.” Clayborn has a non-stop motor, and DL coach Keith Millard praised his “awesome” work ethic and attitude.

The precise extent is unknown, but it’s a good bet that Clayborn tore his ACL and perhaps more. For pass rushers who rely so much on explosion off the ball, it can take longer than a full year to recapture past form from significant knee surgery. The Bucs are going to need to look at defensive ends in the 2013 draft and free agency. Tampa Bay’s pass rush also takes a major hit. Opponents should be able to double team Gerald McCoy inside more easily as the Bucs are now essentially devoid of difference-making outside-edge rushers.

Clayborn had to be helped off the field and was then carted to the locker room. The Bucs immediately ruled Clayborn out for the rest of the game. This could be a multi-week injury.

Clayborn left Cowboys Stadium with a brace extending from his thigh to his ankle, and “early indications” are his year is over. “We’re going to have to wait and see until tomorrow,” is all coach Greg Schiano would say. Clayborn’s loss would be devastating to the Tampa Bay defense because he’s the Bucs’ only true threatening edge rusher. The Bucs play the Redskins in Week 4.

Clayborn is “doing well” in his recovery from a torn ACL that he suffered in Week 3 last season, and he’s expected to be ready to go for training camp and the season opener. After opting not to re-sign DE Michael Bennett, the Bucs are putting a lot of faith in injury risks Clayborn and LE Da’Quan Bowers.