Clowney’s Carolina Exit: A Look at Potential Landing Spots for the Veteran Edge Rusher
The Carolina Panthers’ offseason maneuvering continues as they gear up for the 2025 season, their second under the guidance of coach Dave Canales. A recent flurry of roster moves, announced on May 8th, signals a clear shift in strategy. While the unfortunate placement of running back Jonathon Brooks on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list effectively ends his season before it began, the release of veteran edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney has sparked considerable discussion across the league.
Clowney’s departure is somewhat surprising, given his productive stint with the Panthers in 2024. Despite missing three games, he emerged as a key defensive contributor, leading the team in tackles for loss with an impressive nine and tying for the team lead with 5.5 sacks. His presence provided a veteran edge and disruptive force that Carolina will now need to replace.
This move leaves the Panthers relying more heavily on their recent draft picks, specifically edge rushers Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen, selected on Day 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft. The hope is that these rookies can quickly adapt to the professional level and contribute meaningfully to the team’s defensive efforts.
For Clowney, this marks the end of his brief tenure in Carolina and the start of another chapter in a career that has seen him play for six different teams in the past seven seasons. After his initial years with the Houston Texans, culminating in the 2018 season, he embarked on a journey that included stints with the Seattle Seahawks (2019), Tennessee Titans (2020), Cleveland Browns (2021-22), and Baltimore Ravens (2023) before arriving in Carolina.
Despite entering his age-32 season, Clowney has shown no significant decline in performance. He has consistently played in at least 12 games in each of the last four seasons, accumulating a total of 26 sacks during that period. This consistent production, combined with his pedigree as a former No. 1 overall draft pick, makes him an attractive option for teams seeking to bolster their pass rush and run defense.
Several teams could potentially benefit from adding Clowney to their roster. Here are five potential landing spots:
1. Washington Commanders: The Commanders are coming off a surprising 2024 season that saw them reach the NFC championship game, exceeding expectations based on their perceived talent level. Washington has been active in free agency and the draft, aiming to upgrade various levels of their defense. However, they might still require additional reinforcements, particularly at the edge rusher position.
Notably, the Commanders did not utilize any draft picks on edge rushers this year. Currently, their projected starters at the position are Dorance Armstrong and Deatrich Wise, both of whom share similar physical characteristics with Clowney. Adding Clowney would provide valuable depth and potentially elevate the overall performance of a position that could be considered a weak point for a team with playoff aspirations.
2. Detroit Lions: The Lions faced significant challenges due to injuries on defense in 2024, a factor that contributed to the departure of defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn after a playoff loss to Washington. Heading into 2025, the Lions are anticipating the return of key edge rushers Aidan Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport, both of whom suffered season-ending injuries last season.
Detroit is committed to making another strong push for a championship in 2025. They invested their top draft pick in the interior defensive line, selecting Tyleik Williams in Round 1, recognizing the importance of strong play in the trenches on both sides of the ball. Adding a veteran presence like Clowney to their defensive line rotation could serve as a valuable safeguard against future injuries and provide a consistent level of performance.
Similar to the situation in Washington, Clowney’s physical profile aligns well with the Lions’ preference for edge rushers. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 266 pounds, he possesses the size and strength to excel in run defense, a crucial aspect of the Lions’ defensive scheme.
3. Baltimore Ravens: A reunion with the Ravens seems like a logical possibility, given Clowney’s successful stint with the team in 2023. He tied a career-high with 9.5 sacks while playing in Baltimore, demonstrating a clear fit within their defensive system. Although the Ravens used a second-round pick to select edge rusher Mike Green in the recent draft, that should not necessarily preclude them from seeking additional depth at the position, especially in the highly competitive AFC.
The Ravens face formidable opponents within their conference, including the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs, both of whom have made significant investments in their defensive lines through the draft and free agency. Clowney’s versatility and effectiveness against the run could prove particularly valuable for Baltimore in playoff matchups against these teams.
Furthermore, if Clowney is seeking an opportunity to compete for a championship, the Ravens are consistently ranked among the top Super Bowl contenders. This could be a significant factor in his decision-making process.
4. Cincinnati Bengals: The Bengals experienced a decline in defensive performance in 2024, allowing the most yards and points since 2019. This led to a change in defensive coordinator, with former Bengals defensive assistant Al Golden taking over for Lou Anarumo, who is now with the Indianapolis Colts.
Cincinnati invested their first-round pick in edge rusher Shemar Stewart, but he is widely regarded as a raw prospect with immense athletic potential. Stewart could greatly benefit from having a veteran presence like Clowney in the building to learn from, particularly given their similar size and athletic abilities.
The Bengals possess a championship-caliber offense, and improving their defense is crucial to maximizing their potential. Clowney could contribute as a rotational player, setting the edge in run defense and providing a complementary pass-rushing threat opposite Trey Hendrickson, the reigning NFL sack leader.
5. New York Giants: Giants head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen are facing increased pressure to deliver results in the 2025 season. The team’s quarterback situation is uncertain, with options including Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston, Tommy DeVito, and first-round pick Jaxson Dart, who may require time to develop at the NFL level.
Given the uncertainty at quarterback, the Giants will likely need to rely heavily on their defense to improve their record in 2025. The team selected Abdul Carter in Round 1, considered the top edge rusher in the class, and signed multiple free agents along the defensive line.
Adding Clowney could provide a significant boost to the Giants’ defensive efforts. He could serve as a valuable rotational piece, raising the overall floor of the defense and potentially helping Daboll and Schoen secure their positions for another year.
Ultimately, the decision of where Jadeveon Clowney will play in 2025 will depend on a variety of factors, including his personal preferences, the financial offers he receives, and the potential for him to contribute to a winning team. However, based on his proven track record and the needs of various teams across the league, he is likely to find a new home relatively soon.
