The Carolina Panthers have bolstered their pass rush by signing experienced free agent Jadeveon Clowney, the first overall pick in the 2014 NFL draft. Clowney has agreed to a two-year deal totaling $20 million, which could reach $24 million with bonuses. Returning to his hometown near the Panthers’ stadium, Clowney, 31, had a productive 2023 season with the Baltimore Ravens, with 9 1/2 sacks. He will line up as an outside linebacker in Carolina’s 3-4 defensive setup. With stints at multiple teams, including the Houston Texans, Seattle Seahawks, Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, and the Ravens, Clowney has accumulated a career total of 52 1/2 sacks.
Clowney’s arrival is seen as a solution to the void left by Brian Burns, who was traded to the Giants earlier. The Panthers struggled with pass rushing last season, recording the lowest sack total in the league. Clowney is set to team up with D.J. Wonnum and free-agent K’Lavon Chaisson to strengthen the defense. Alongside this, safety Sam Franklin has been re-signed by the Panthers after being a valuable player on special teams for the past two seasons.
