Jadeveon Clowney released by Panthers

[medaille]

I have trouble labelling and judging a guy who had a healthy, long term career as a starter. Dude has 3 pro bowls and an all pro. Obviously your expectations for a first overall player is through the roof, but almost all of the first overalls fail to deliver on those expectations.

You just go through a handful of drafts and look at the top 5 players, there’s so many legit busts out there. Like the top 5 of Clowney’s draft also includes Greg Robinson, Blake Bortles, and Sammy Watkins. We drafted Anthony Barr in the same draft as an edge rusher and he ended up with like 18.5 career sacks.

[JustInTime]

Clowney Career Stats


Healthy is not a term I’d use.

[purplefaithful]

I got a field pass at USB the year we played Houston and he was with them at the time......

An imposing stature to say the least

Talk about someone who was born to be an Edge/DE..Unbelievable in real life and up close.

[medaille]

Clowney Career Stats


Healthy is not a term I’d use.

I'm using the other definition there.  Like that's a healthy scoop of ice cream.

[purplefaithful]

Jadeveon Clowney landing spots

Washington Commanders

The Commanders' defense outperformed its talent in 2024 as the team made its first NFC championship game in decades. Washington spent in free agency and the draft to get upgrades at multiple levels of the defense but could use more reinforcements as it looks to build on a surprising 2024 season.

The Commanders didn't use any draft picks at edge and are slated to start Dorance Armstrong and Deatrich Wise at that position at time of publishing. Both are in a similar physical mold to Clowney and he'd make for more depth at a potential weak spot for a team with playoff aspirations.

Detroit Lions

Detroit was hit hard by injuries on defense in 2024 during the season and lost coordinator Aaron Glenn after a loss to Washington in the playoffs. The Lions should get top edge rushers Aidan Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport back healthy after season-ending injuries last season.

Detroit is making another push for a championship in 2025 and spent their top draft pick on the interior defensive line by selecting Tyleik Williams in Round 1. They know the trenches lead the way on both sides of the ball so getting another veteran presence in the rotation could be a good safeguard against injury.

Like in Washington, Clowney fits the mold of a Lions edge rusher at 6-foot-5 and 266 pounds with a penchant for good run defense.

Baltimore Ravens

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. 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.

Top conference foes Buffalo and Kansas City used the draft and free agent additions to bolster the defensive line both on the interior and at edge.

Clowney's versatility against the run could be useful for Baltimore against both teams in the playoffs. If he's looking for an elusive championship, there are few Super Bowl contenders ranked ahead of Baltimore.

Cincinnati Bengals

Cincinnati fielded its worst defense by yards and points allowed since 2019 last year. That led to a change in coordinator as former Bengals defensive assistant Al Golden took over for Lou Anarumo, now in Indianapolis.

The Bengals spent their first-round pick on edge Shemar Stewart but he's viewed as one of the more raw prospects at the position with elite athletic tools. He could use a veteran like Clowney in the building to learn from with similar size and athletic abilities.

Cincinnati has a championship-caliber offense and needs to turn the tide on defense to make the most of it. Clowney could at least be a rotational piece who sets the edge in run defense well and provides enough pass rush opposite reigning NFL sack leader Trey Hendrickson.

New York Giants

Giants head coach Brian Daboll has more riding on the 2025 season than most coaches in the league. The same goes for general manager Joe Schoen.

New York's quarterback options include Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston, Tommy DeVito and first-round pick Jaxson Dart, who may need time adjusting to the NFL. None appear to be above-average options at this point of the offseason.

That means it will fall on the defense to carry the Giants to an improved or winning season in 2025. The team selected Abdul Carter in Round 1, the top edge rusher in the class, and signed multiple free agents along the defensive line.

For a team looking to make a push in 2025, Clowney could be a good rotational piece who helps raise the floor of the defense. That may be enough to help both Daboll and Schoen stick around for another year.

USA TODAY