The quarterback room has been the highlight of the New Orleans Saints’ 2025 offseason, and after Derek Carr’s retirement, it’s perhaps the only thing in the news about the Saints. For now, the Saints are expected to go with the second-round pick Tyler Shough as the starter, and while their offense remains a priority, they could use some help on the defensive end as well.
The Saints’ pass-rush efforts were inconsistent in 2024, and PFSN’s Brandon Austin predicts New Orleans could bring in a former No. 1 overall pick to shore up the depth behind Chase Young and Carl Granderson.
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The Saints’ defense failed to deliver last year and ranked 30th in total defense. They finished 18th in the league in sacks (39) and pressure rate (33.6%) and 30th in pass rush win rate. The front office failed to upgrade the group this offseason, with their only significant move being re-signing Young and adding Chris Rumph II in free agency.
To take the next step, Austin named Jadeveon Clowney as the best fit for the Saints in his one remaining free agent that each team should sign article.
“Outside of Young and Carl Granderson, the Saints have limited juice coming off the edge,” Austin wrote. “Not to mention, Cam Jordan will turn 36 years old ahead of the upcoming season. Isaiah Foskey, a 2023 second-rounder, has struggled to find his footing early in his career. Jadeveon Clowney could be a good fit if New Orleans can land him at the right price. Like Young and Granderson, he recorded 5.5 sacks in 2024.
“Since 2021, Clowney has recorded 197 pressures, 54 quarterback hits, and 26 sacks while posting a 13.3% pressure rate. The former No. 1 overall pick may be past his prime, but he’s proven over the past few seasons that he can still be a productive edge rusher, even if he’s lost a step.”
Clowney was cut after just one season by the Carolina Panthers following the 2025 NFL Draft when they added Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen on Day 2. He has represented six different teams during his 11-year NFL career. Could the Saints become the seventh in September?
Jadeveon Clowney wants the rest of the league to know he’s still got it after being released by the Panthers on Thursday pic.twitter.com/VZllkIrOAz
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) May 9, 2025
Clowney had signed a two-year, $20 million contract in March 2024 and was due $10 million in 2025. He started 14 games and recorded 5.5 sacks, 46 total tackles, 11 quarterback hits, and four pass deflections.
Cutting the 32-year-old saved the Panthers $7.8 million against the cap, but as he demonstrated last season, Clowney can still be a productive edge rusher, and the Saints have all the reasons to offer him a short-term deal.