The NFL Draft is in the rearview mirror, and free agency's peak has passed. The Cleveland Browns have filled most of their roster holes, but one spot remains open: a rotational defensive end to back up stars Myles Garrett and Alex Wright. And the team might be eyeing a familiar face to fill it.

According to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, the Browns could be interested in a reunion with former first overall pick Jadeveon Clowney. Garafolo reported that "some of his former teams" have shown interest in the veteran pass rusher, and while he didn't name Cleveland directly, the Browns are among the seven teams that fit that description.

Clowney spent two seasons in Cleveland from 2021 to 2022, tallying 11 sacks and 15 tackles for loss. His 2021 campaign was particularly impressive, racking up nine sacks while playing opposite Myles Garrett and forming a formidable defensive end duo.

However, there's a catch. Clowney's tenure with the Browns ended on a sour note. He was a healthy scratch for the final game of the 2022 season after publicly criticizing the organization and his role on the team. That drama could complicate any potential reunion, but with Clowney's pass-rush grade ranking as his second-best ever in 2025 per PFF, the Browns might be willing to look past old wounds for a proven edge rusher.

For a team eyeing a deep playoff run, adding a veteran like Clowney to the rotation could be the missing piece. Whether Cleveland is willing to extend an olive branch remains to be seen, but the rumor mill is certainly churning.