Carolina Panthers Urged To Pursue Veteran Pass Rusher In Free Agency
The Carolina Panthers are coming off a surprising playoff appearance, but the front office knows there is still work to be done. One of the team’s most significant weaknesses in 2025 was a pass rush that struggled to generate consistent pressure. As the team looks to build on its success, one NFL analyst has an ironic but compelling suggestion: bring back Jadeveon Clowney.
The idea of a reunion might seem strange, considering the Panthers released Clowney after the 2024 season to save money and create opportunities for younger players. However, a closer look at the situation reveals why this move could make a lot of sense for a team looking to take the next step.
Carolina Panthers Urged To Bring Back Jadeveon Clowney
According to Zach Roberts of Sports Illustrated, the decision to part ways with Clowney was “a little foolish.” While the move provided some financial flexibility, the on-field results speak for themselves. The Panthers’ pass rush was among the league’s worst in 2025, and the team clearly missed Clowney’s presence.
In 2024, Clowney led the Carolina Panthers with 5.5 sacks. That number, while not spectacular, would have also been the highest on the 2025 squad. The younger players expected to step up, like Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen, didn’t produce at the level needed to replace him. Roberts argues that signing Clowney would allow the Panthers to “right their wrong” and add a proven veteran to a unit that desperately needs one.
Clowney’s Consistent Production
After leaving Carolina, Clowney signed with the Dallas Cowboys for the 2025 season and had a productive year, tallying 8.5 sacks. This performance wasn’t an anomaly. The former first-overall pick has quietly become one of the more consistent edge defenders in the league.
Pro Football Focus highlighted Jadeveon Clowney’s reliability, noting that his 19.1% pressure rate in 2025 was one of the best in the NFL, trailing only elite players like Micah Parsons and Will Anderson Jr. PFF also pointed out that Clowney’s cumulative grade over the last three seasons is an impressive 83.2, suggesting he can still be one of the best value signings in free agency. He may not be the generational talent he was projected to be, but he has evolved into a highly effective and reliable veteran.
What This Means for the Panthers’ Defense
Bringing Clowney back would provide an immediate and much-needed boost to Carolina’s defense. With the top-tier pass rushers in free agency likely commanding massive contracts, Clowney represents a more affordable yet still impactful option.
Pairing him with a developing Nic Scourton could create a formidable pass-rushing duo. Clowney’s presence would take pressure off the younger players and provide valuable veteran leadership. This move would also give General Manager Dan Morgan more flexibility in the NFL Draft, allowing the team to address other needs in the early rounds instead of being forced to reach for an edge rusher.
While it might feel strange to bring back a player you just cut a year ago, the logic is sound. A Clowney reunion could be the smart, ironic move that helps solidify the Panthers’ defense for another playoff run in 2026.
