The Carolina Panthers sent a new edge rusher to the free-agent market on Thursday, with the team releasing veteran Jadeveon Clowney.
The move comes on the heels of the Panthers adding a pair of edge rushers during the 2025 NFL draft. Carolina attempted to trade Clowney, per ESPN’s David Newton, but couldn’t get it done, leading to his release.
Clowney is now free to sign with any team, and despite a disappointing career after he was formerly a No. 1 overall pick, Clowney is sure to draw interest on the open market.
One analyst, USA TODAY’s Ayrton Ostly, predicts that Clowney will land on his feet with the Baltimore Ravens in free agency.
“This one almost makes too much sense. There’s plenty of familiarity for the two parties as Clowney tied a career-high with 9.5 sacks with Baltimore in 2023,” Ostly said. “Baltimore spent a second-round pick at edge in the draft with Mike Green but that shouldn’t preclude them from looking for more depth in an ultra-competitive AFC.”
As Ostly notes, Clowney spent the 2023 campaign with the Ravens and had one of the best showings of his career with a personal-best 9.5 sacks, tying his previous high-water mark from 2017. But his desire to return home to Carolina, and the significant price he commanded, led to his divorce with Baltimore.
Clowney was productive in 14 games last season, with the South Carolina product finishing with 5.5 sacks and 44 total pressures. Clowney ranked 30th among edge rushers with a pass-rush grade of 73.2, per Pro Football Focus.
When it comes to competing in the loaded AFC like the Ravens have to do, you can never have enough edge rushers.
Adding to that, Baltimore’s sack leaders from last season, Kyle Van Noy and Odafe Oweh, had career-best years and there’s no telling if they’ll be able to do that again. The draft selection of Mike Green was a good one, but it remains to be seen what he’ll be able to contribute in Year 1.
Clowney would be a perfect reinforcement for Baltimore’s pass-rush, and he has proven to be a plus run defender throughout his career. It makes all the sense in the world for the Ravens to reunite with their old friend, assuming the price is fair.
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