The Carolina Panthers released edge defender Jadeveon Clowney, but this shouldn’t be the end of the road for the former first-overall pick. Following a nine-sack season with the Baltimore Ravens, Clowney signed a two-year deal with Carolina to help ease the loss of star pass rusher Brian Burns. The veteran had a respectable season, finishing the year with a team-best 5.5 sacks, 80 tackles, eight tackles-for-loss, and eight quarterback hits. However, his high cap number combined with the addition of second-round pick Nic Scourton and third-round selection Princely Umanmielen made him expendable.
Now entering his age-32 season, Jadeveon Clowney says he wants to continue his career away from the Panthers. During a recent interview, the three-time Pro Bowler said he’s “definitely gonna play well” in 2025 and that “31 other teams” are on his radar. While only time will tell where he lands, the following destinations make the most sense.
Jadeveon Clowney Speaks on Playing Future After Panthers Release
Next Teams
Baltimore Ravens
Why not? Jadeveon Clowney had his best year since his prime with the Baltimore Ravens in 2023, so he might as well return for 2025. Baltimore has multiple reliable pass rushers on the roster, but John Harbaugh’s squad has always believed in having as many able-bodied edge defenders as possible. Cowney probably shouldn’t be a starter at this stage in his career, but he could be a dangerous rotational piece that helps keeps everyone healthy and fresh for what should be a deep postseason run.
Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons had one of the NFL’s worst pass rushes last year and addressed that need with first-round picks Jalon Walker and James Pearce. While these two have the potential to be a lethal duo for years on end, the team could use someone with more experience. Stealing Jadeveon Clowney from the division rival Carolina Panthers will give the team a short-term starter who can help Walker and Pearce adapt to life in the NFL.
Detroit Lions
Last year showed how desperately the Detroit Lions need to find a proper starter to pair with superstar Aidan Hutchinson. The Lions struggled to get after the quarterback with their homegrown star sidelined, and their pass rush woes will only increase with defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn in New York. Jadeveon Clowney may have lost a step, but the former Panthers edge rusher is still more than capable of being a complementary starter for a defense like Detroit’s.
Los Angeles Chargers
After making the playoffs in what should have been a rebuilding year, the Los Angeles Chargers are ready to become true contenders under head coach Jim Harbaugh. While they bolstered their offensive line and running game, they could still use more help in the trenches. Khalil Mack remains one of the league’s premier pass rushers, but Tuli Tuipulotu is nothing more than a solid rotational player and Joey Bosa is in Buffalo. Clowney should help this team compete in what should be a wildly competitive division.
Main Photo: Brett Davis – Imagn Images
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