Talented edge rushers are considered one of the most valuable positions on defense. Teams need players who can effectively rush the pass in this offense-heavy league. You only have to look at the contracts handed to guys like Myles Garrett and Maxx Crosby, and hear about the negotiations taking place with T.J. Watt and Micah Parsons to get a glimpse at how highly they are prized.
The Los Angeles Rams are fortunate enough to be flooded with a group of strong, up-and-coming outside linebackers, including Jared Verse, who was the 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year, and third-year player Byron Young. However, that might not preclude them from looking to add a veteran presence to help balance this group out.
Three-Time Pro Bowler May Be Perfect Fit for Rams’ Pass Rush
After drafting two edge rushers during the 2025 NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers decided to hand Jadeveon Clowney the first release of his 11 years in the league.
While they may be planning to get younger on defense, the dumping of Clowney seems premature. However, the three-time Pro Bowler has admitted that he saw it coming. Now, Clowney is looking for a new home, and he has been linked to the Super Bowl hopeful Rams, who could partner him with Verse and Young to wreak havoc.
In an article by Bleacher Report, Clowney is listed as a good fit for the Rams. “While Jadeveon Clowney never developed into the sure-fire Hall of Famer many expected him to be coming out of college, he has put together a long career as a solid all-around edge defender.”
𝐓𝐎𝐏 𝟏𝟎 𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐄 𝐀𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐒 𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐋𝐋 𝐀𝐕𝐀𝐈𝐋𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐄
1. Amari Cooper
2. Keenan Allen
3. Justin Simmons
4. Julian Blackmon
5. Asante Samuel Jr.
6. Kyzir White
7. Za’Darius Smith
8. Gabe Davis
9. Stephon Gilmore
10. Jadeveon Clowney pic.twitter.com/sM4QHyfCB4— NFL Updates on X (@NFLUpdatesOnX) July 3, 2025
Clowney was the number one overall pick in 2014 by the Houston Texans. When he landed in Carolina, it was his sixth team. While he has displayed flashes of brilliance over the years, he has struggled with injuries. He has only played two full seasons in the 11 he’s spent in the league.
“While Los Angeles has a couple of promising young edge defenders in Jared Verse and Byron Young, the position group and defensive line are young as a whole. The veteran could be a good depth piece and voice in the meeting room as the team looks to make a Super Bowl run.”
There’s no doubt the Rams have a promising young group, but their inexperience could emerge as an issue. Clowney was productive for the Panthers with 5.5 sacks and nine tackles for a loss in 2024. During his 11-year career, he has accumulated 58 sacks and 108 tackles for a loss.
At 31 years old, Clowney is unlikely to be an every-down starter, but he would be an excellent value player for the Rams. He would provide a needed boost and help the Rams return to the Super Bowl for the first time in four years.