The Panthers did not offer a strong response at outside linebacker after trading Brian Burns. Although other issues led to Carolina’s defense sinking to last place across the board, the team struggled to replace the pass rusher it traded after endless extension talks.
Jadeveon Clowney became the top Panthers solution here, having signed his first multiyear deal (two years, $20MM) since his Texans rookie pact back in 2014. But the Panthers made the South Carolina alum’s homecoming short-lived, cutting Clowney after engaging in trade talks earlier this offseason. Carolina’s draft plan played into Clowney’s fourth NFL one-and-done, as the selections of second- and third-round edge rushers (Nic Scourton, Princely Umanmielen) directly influenced the team’s approach with its veterans.
The two SEC products will have direct routes to playing time, and the team wanted to ensure that by cutting Clowney. The Panthers were not exactly facing a lofty payment for the former No. 1 overall pick, and while they saved $7.75MM with the release, ESPN.com’s David Newton notes the goal of seeing younger talents enjoy extended auditions provided just as much reason for Clowney’s exit as finances did.
“When you watch the 2024 film, [Clowney] was a guy that gave us everything that he had on the field,” Dave Canales said, via Newton. “[But] we’re developmentally minded, and we understand bringing in outside linebackers and [drafting] two edge rushers — all those reps are valuable.”
In addition to Scourton and Umanmielen, the Panthers return D.J. Wonnum and signed Patrick Jones after four seasons as a Vikings rotational cog. Wonnum’s former Minnesota teammate will have the first crack at replacing Clowney in Carolina’s lineup, Newton adds. While Jones’ contract (two years, $15MM) suggested a starter chance, it does not provide open-and-shut first-stringer money. And the Panthers soon using two second-day picks on OLBs changed the position’s outlook from when Jones signed.
Jones started only five games during a four-year Minnesota run but generated free agency interest on the heels of a seven-sack season. Contributing to a Vikings pass rush housing Pro Bowlers Andrew Van Ginkel and Jonathan Greenard (along with first-rounder Dallas Turner), Jones saw his Twin Cities path blocked. He will have a chance to prove himself as a starter, though the presences of Wonnum (31 Vikings starts from 2020-23) and the two rookies could may this a short-term partnership.
Jones, 26, will have a chance to up his value while in Charlotte, as another crack at free agency in his 20s would loom. Wonnum is coming off a season shortened by the quad injury he suffered in his Vikings finale, and Canales said Tuesday a back flareup emerged. That will be something to monitor for the Panthers, who did not have much committed to the sixth-year veteran ahead of his contract’s second and final year. Clowney, 32, remains a free agent but intends to play in 2025. He led the Panthers with 5.5 sacks last season and was the team’s only player to post more than eight QB hits (11).