Panthers' Jadeveon Clowney: 2023 Ravens Contract 'Was My Kobe Bryant Year'

Jadeveon Clowney is now referring to his 2023 season with the Baltimore Ravens as his "Kobe Bryant year."

Clowney, who wore No. 90 for much of his career, switched to No. 24 last season in Baltimore as an ode to Bryant and a symbol of hope for a bigger performance on the field.

"That was my Kobe Bryant year, the return of the killer,'' Clowney told reporters this week. "I said Kobe [year] because when I was in Cleveland a lot of stuff happened my last year there when I didn't have my best season.

"They put out that article about me saying all this about what was going on.''

Clowney signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract with the Ravens for the 2023 season following an injury-riddled 2022 campaign with the Cleveland Browns.

The 31-year-old went on to put together one of his best seasons since earning a Pro Bowl selection with the Houston Texans in 2018, posting 9.5 sacks, five passes defended, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, 43 tackles, nine tackles for a loss and 19 quarterback hits in 17 games.

The 2023 campaign also marked Clowney's first fully healthy campaign since the 2017 season, which he spent in Houston.

"That was very important, really for myself because I already knew I could play the game and make plays,'' Clowney said. "I tell people all the time if I play in 16, 17 games, it's going to look like a Pro Bowl season. That's all I got to do, is just be out there playing.

"I know I can make the plays no matter what team I'm on. I've just got to be available and take care of myself. The older I get the more I figure out how to stay healthier.''

Because of his performance last season, Clowney landed a two-year, $20 million deal with the Carolina Panthers in free agency this winter. That deal could reach up to $24 million with incentives.

The Panthers will be hoping Clowney can replicate his 2023 performance next season while playing in his hometown.

Clowney grew up 25 miles from Charlotte, and he said signing with the Panthers is "allowing me to live out my dream.''