After just one season, the Carolina Panthers have cut veteran edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney, saving $7.775 million against the cap in 2025. Clowney has represented six different teams during his 11-year NFL career and could have the chance to make it seven in September.
But which teams would be the best fit for the three-time Pro Bowler?
3 Potential Landing Spots for Jadeveon Clowney in 2025
The Panthers moved on from Clowney after adding Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen on Day 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft. Carolina has done a good job of adding to its beleaguered defense during the offseason, but it has now lost a veteran presence on its defensive line.
Having started 14 games in 2024, though, Clowney still represents a solid option for teams in need of pass-rush help, including the three listed below.
Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions may be an obvious choice here, such was the magnitude of the injury problems faced by their defensive line last season. The team then made the surprising decision not to bring back Za’Darius Smith in free agency, though that remains an option with the veteran yet to sign elsewhere.
The Lions should be boosted by the return of star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson in September, though he may take some time to get back to his frightening best. Clowney would offer, at worst, a rotational piece to keep the Lions fresh on their defensive front as they make another run at a Super Bowl.
San Francisco 49ers
The mass evacuation of talent that followed the San Francisco 49ers’ humbling 2024 season was eye-catching. Charvarius Ward, Dre Greenlaw, and Talanoa Hufanga all vacated the West Coast in free agency, leaving the team bereft of talent and numbers on defense. However, the team still has stars like Nick Bosa and Fred Warner, and added SEC standouts Mykel Williams and Alfred Collins via the draft.
Still, though, the team could use some more help in the pass rush if it’s to get back on top of the NFC West in 2025. The Los Angeles Rams added Davante Adams during the offseason, while the Seattle Seahawks revamped their entire offense, and the Arizona Cardinals will expect a jump from Marvin Harrison Jr. in his second season.
If the 49ers can’t consistently affect opposing quarterbacks in 2025, it could be another playoff-free January for the five-time Super Bowl champions.
New York Jets
Away from the potential Super Bowl contenders, Clowney could interest a rebuilding AFC East team with a highly respected former defensive coordinator in charge. Aaron Glenn has quickly put his stamp on the New York Jets, and an experienced sack artist would make a big difference to the perennial strugglers.
To get the best out of new quarterback Justin Fields, the Jets can’t allow themselves to be constantly playing from behind. Fields is an incredible asset in the run game, something he won’t be able to utilize if in need of quick points.
With Quinnen Williams dominating on the inside, Clowney and Will McDonald IV would form a formidable pass-rushing duo. If the Jets are to be competitive in 2025, it will have a lot to do with their defense, and Clowney could be a big part of that.
