With just one year left on his contract, the Carolina Panthers will release $20 million long-term veteran Jadeveon Clowney after spending one season. Last year, the team was desperate of looking for an immediate answer on the defensive side of the ball since they spent the majority of the 2023 offseason building an offense for quarterback Bryce Young. According to a source, the Panthers are letting go of the pass rusher since they’ve made a few capable upgrades in this year’s draft. Carolina has been having a busy offseason building a high-caliber defense, especially in this year’s free agency, after signing Tershawn Wharton to give Derrick Brown some relief in the trenches.
With the rebuilding regime in Carolina, the team couldn’t afford a new contract for Clowney, who was already entering the final year of his current deal. It wouldn’t be wise for the organization to give the veteran a new deal since he’s aging and the Panthers are rebuilding. For Clowney, the journeyman continues to find another team that may need him on their defense. Originally selected in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft, the former South Carolina product became one of the most disruptive pass rushers in the league, recording 58 sacks, 15 forced fumbles, 32 pass deflections and 409 total tackles.
Clowney won’t earn the best contract anymore, but these five rosters looking to mold their team into a championship one day could use his presence.
Breaking: Panthers Release $20 Million Veteran Jadeveon Clowney, Could Find Championship Roster Soon
Next Possible Teams
Washington Commanders
This would probably be the best addition to this uprising roster despite trading for wide receiver Deebo Samuel. The Commanders are in the best spot to win a Super Bowl, but must do so before quarterback Jayden Daniels is eligible for a new contract. After losing their best pass rusher, Dante Fowler Jr., to the Dallas Cowboys, Clowney could be a worthy fit to pair with veteran Bobby Wagner in the trenches.
Dallas Cowboys
Meanwhile, the Cowboys are trying to keep themselves in the NFC East race. Since trading for George Pickens, the team has become a well-rounded football roster, but they could use the depth on defense. After losing Demarcus Lawrence this offseason, Clowney could be an honorable replacement on a rotational basis with Fowler Jr. and Micah Parsons if they re-sign him to a new deal.
Baltimore Ravens
This is probably the most likely destination for the veteran. The Baltimore Ravens just lost Malik Harrison this offseason and need a capable pass rusher in their defense. Last offseason, they couldn’t afford to keep Clowney, and now they could find a way to sign him back on a cheap one-year rental.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs could use more experience in their pass-rushing group. After signing his new contract extension, linebacker Nick Bolton is still the best one in this department. The team trading for Josh Uche last year was proof that Drue Tranquill and Leo Chenal can only do so much. Jadeveon Clowney could be a worthy free agent for the Chiefs to help Bolton streamline the pass rush.
Los Angeles Chargers
However, the Los Angeles Chargers are most desperate to find a defensive pass rusher as much as they want another wide receiver. Poona Ford isn’t returning, and Khalil Mack will probably retire next year. Head Coach Jim Harbaugh wants to build an old-school defense, and the perfect match for that is Clowney.
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