With the Carolina Panthers welcoming their rookies for NFL initiation Friday, former Pro Bowler-turned-journeyman Jadeveon Clowney was sent packing Thursday.
The Rock Hill, South Carolina, native signed a two-year, $20 million contract last offseason and started 14 games as a stand-up pass-rush specialist. Clowney compiled 46 tackles and 5.5 sacks last season.
It wasn’t enough for general manager Dan Morgan, who is responsible for reconstructing a defense that yielded an all-time league-worst 534 points and compiled just 32 sacks last season.
Along with free-agent additions, the Panthers drafted two edge defenders in second-rounder Nic Scourton and third-rounder Princely Umanmielen, who signed along with five draft mates Thursday.
By cutting Clowney, the Panthers $7.775 million in cap space, per OvertheCap.com.
@Panthers OLB Jadeveon Clowney clowns around during Tuesday’s #NFL mandatory minicamp … pic.twitter.com/4evuLRCjCF
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) June 12, 2024
Panthers Cut Jadeveon Clowney, Make Other Moves
Clowney, 32, joined the Panthers following a 2-15 campaign in 2023. He provided the roster with some star power, even if the 12-year veteran clearly looked to be fading. The 2014 first-overall draft pick overcame an early knee injury to create three consecutive Pro Bowl seasons for the Houston Texans. In 2019, he registered 59 tackles and 9.5 sacks.
If Clowney signs with another club, it will be his seventh in eight seasons.
Clowney proved most effective when paired with J.J. Watt or Myles Garrett. Clowney provided two-step finesse to the power of his former two elite pass-rush partners.
With the Panthers, Clowney was signed to lead the room, but he appeared to lack speed to beat tackles off the snap and struggled to shed blocks. His next deal likely will be structured for him serving as a rotational pass rusher.
@Panthers OLB Jadeveon Clowney engages in a drill during Tuesday’s #NFL mandatory minicamp … pic.twitter.com/aZwiG7mSAo
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) June 12, 2024
Panthers Make Pre-Rookie Minicamp Moves
Along with Clowney, tight end Jordan Matthews was cut for the fifth time over the past year and a half. They also announced injured second-year running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) will miss the 2025 season. That potentially leaves fourth-round draft pick Trevor Etienne as the No. 3 option behind Chuba Hubbard and Rico Dowdle.
Six of the Panthers’ eight 2025 draft picks agreed to deals Thursday. Among those players included first-round wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, third-rounder Umanmielen, fourth-round safety Lathan Ransom, fifth-round nose tackle Cam Jackson, fifth-round tight end Mitchell Evans and sixth-round wide reciver Jimmy Horn Jr.
Scourton and Etienne remain unsigned.
The Panthers were forced to create space on the 90-man roster for their draft picks and undrafted free agents. Wide receivers TJ Luther and Dax Milne, defensive tackles Jerrod Clark and Popo Aumavae, and center Andrew Ryam were among the players cut. Tight end Colin Granger and Brooks were placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.
@Panthers coach Dave Canales had an up-close look at WR Terrace Marshall Jr.’s drop during Monday’s @NFL training camp practice … pic.twitter.com/K1XV8GZ9vH
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) August 13, 2024
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