The Panthers explored a trade of Jadeveon Clowney before the draft, but nothing came about on that front. Given the team’s rookie additions, though, the possibility remained the veteran edge rusher would be let go after only one season in Carolina. 
Indeed, the team proceeded with a release on Thursday. One year remained on Clowney’s pact, but he now finds himself on the market as a post-draft free agent. As could be expected, the 32-year-old has no intention of hanging up his cleats at this point.
“I’m definitely gonna play well,” Clowney said during an interview with Joe Person of The Athletic (subscription required). “You can mark my word on that. I don’t care where I end up playing at, I’m gonna play extremely well… There are 31 other teams. I just hope another team gives me that opportunity so I can prove myself again. I feel like I can do that.”
After a five-year run in Houston to begin his career, the former No. 1 pick has bounced around the NFL. Clowney played for the Seahawks, Titans, Browns and Ravens prior to last year’s season spent with the Panthers. Only the Cleveland portion of that stretch (2021-22) consisted of a multi-year run in an organization. A long-term commitment can surely be ruled out once again in this case, but any number of teams could be willing to make him a depth addition for the 2025 campaign.
Clowney handled a full-time starting role in Carolina last season, and he posted 5.5 sacks. The South Carolina product totaled 18.5 sacks across the 2021 and ’23 campaigns, with a much less productive season taking place in between. Regardless of the sack output which can be expected of him, Clowney – who has 108 tackles for loss in his career – will be counted on to remain a strong contributor against the run on his next team.
The Panthers committed $12MM guaranteed on Clowney’s two-year pact last spring. Even if suitors submit less lucrative offers this time around, several teams have the cap space necessary to add him as a rotational contributor (especially on a one-year pact). Clowney will look to find a new team no later than training camp, joining the likes of Von Miller, Za’Darius Smith and Matt Judon in that regard.
Nobody ever made more from one college tackle…
As I said in another thread, this misconception repeated often despite being completely false. People who think that that one hit against Michigan was the reason that Clowney went first are ignoring his entire college career. Clowney was a consensus first round pick (even possibly first overall) a year before his junior season in 2013, well before he made that hit. Check some of the articles from 2012 is you don’t believe that; Bleacher Report has one that’s easy to find.
B-u-s-t
Bust suggests he’s not been good.
Hasn’t performed to his draft position but for a guy who just kind of bounces around the league, you’re likely not disappointed having him on your roster unless you commit some huge longterm financial commitment.
He came into the league as a generational talent, and while showing some flashes here and there he certainly hasn’t shown that on the field.
I thought he was the difference maker for the Ravens in 2024. He was a problem for the opposing OC which freed up others to perform well. That said; pass on him EDC, hard pass. Anxious to see what Green can do.
*2023*
Someone will sign him for very little as depth or to play 5-10% of snaps in specific schemes and scenarios. Filler pass rush guys can usually get a year or two worth of those deals at the end of their career
He intends to pull a paycheck somewhere from someone thinking they’ve gotten a bargain. Whether or not he intends to put forth any effort is another issue entirely.
He’s an edge holder against the run at the DE position more than a pass rusher. That’s probably been the most understood part of his game.