The Green Bay Packers’ defense was one of the team’s biggest strengths in 2024, even managing to hold its own during the stretch when Jordan Love was sidelined and the team had to rely on a backup quarterback. Despite Rashan Gary not performing up to expectations, the unit remained solid and kept the team competitive.
Still, every unit can use reinforcements heading into a new season, and with several free agents still available on the market, the Packers are expected to add a veteran to their defensive line who could provide a much-needed boost.
Packers Predicted To Sign Jadeveon Clowney Ahead of 2025 Season
The Packers’ 2024 season showed clear improvement from the previous year, but it still ended in disappointment. Despite finishing with 11 wins, Green Bay once again landed the seventh seed in the NFC, just like in 2023, and ended up third in their division. That set them up for a tough Wild Card matchup on the road against the eventual Super Bowl champion, the Philadelphia Eagles.
A big part of that loss came from their inability to stop the run when it mattered most. In that playoff game, the defense allowed a 55% rushing success rate to Saquon Barkley and the Eagles’ ground game. While the pass defense took a notable step forward in 2024, the team lacked consistency in the trenches during key moments.
That’s why adding Jadeveon Clowney would make a lot of sense for 2025. Playing in one of the NFL’s toughest divisions, you can never have too many reliable pass rushers. Green Bay’s front underwhelmed last season — Lukas Van Ness finished with just three sacks and 20 pressures, while Gary, expected to be the leader of the unit, ended the year with seven and a half sacks, along with 47 pressures.
In his article, Sterling Xie explains that while Clowney is past his prime, his veteran presence would help ease the pressure on the rookies Green Bay just added through the draft, all while still providing solid production on the field.
“Adding Barryn Sorrell and Collin Oliver through the draft gives the Packers a couple of developmental options who could become impact players down the line, but it’s unclear if they’re ready to make an immediate impact. Clowney isn’t elite, but he comes with proven production. That’s something Green Bay should consider, especially as a team with serious postseason hopes,” Xie wrote.
Panthers release Jadeveon Clowney. (via @tompelissero) pic.twitter.com/wQPXM6dAZq
— NFL (@NFL) May 8, 2025
Clowney was released only in early May, following the NFL Draft in which the Carolina Panthers added Nic Scourton and Prince Umanmielen. Now a free agent, he’s confident he can find a team where he can still prove his worth.
Although he never quite became the superstar many expected when he was taken first overall by the Houston Texans, he has remained a productive player throughout his career. Wherever he’s gone, he’s put up solid numbers that at least justify a one-year deal, and at this stage, that’s likely the most realistic scenario for him.