Clowney’s future in Carolina has been a speaking level this offseason, with the group engaging in trade talks earlier than the draft. No deal was labored out through the occasion, however the Panthers added a pair of edge-rushers on Day 2. Consequently, Clowney’s tenure remained removed from sure. Now, the previous No. 1 choose will face free company but once more.
2025 marked the ultimate yr of Clowney’s deal, the newest short-term accord in his journeyman NFL profession. This launch will generate $7.78M in cap financial savings whereas incurring a lifeless cash cost of $6M, presuming it’s not processed with a post-June 1 designation.
A Rock Hill, S.C., native and South Carolina alum, Clowney’s homecoming final spring set him as much as deal with a key position because the Panthers started the post-Brian Burns period alongside the sting. He began all 14 of his appearances, totaling 5.5 sacks alongside the best way. Carolina will transfer ahead with out him within the fold, although, with Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen on the books for the following 4 years.
The Panthers have been broadly anticipated to focus on a defender with the No. 8 choose on this yr’s draft, and Mykel Williams and Jalon Walker have been nonetheless on the board once they have been on the clock. As a substitute, the group went the receiver route by drafting Tetairoa McMillan. That call was primarily based partially on Carolina’s view that Day 2 offered better options alongside the sting than on the WR spot. The group is actually assured its new additions on protection will be capable of make an impression instantly, since efforts to land draft capital in return for Clowney have now ended.
The 32-year-old had one-and-done tenures with the Seahawks and Titans following his 5 years in Houston to start his profession. Clowney then spent two seasons in Cleveland, a stretch that included a downturn in manufacturing with solely a pair of sacks in 2022.
He loved a bounce-back marketing campaign with the Ravens the next yr, matching his profession excessive with 9.5 sacks. Baltimore was thinking about retaining him, and the Jets have been available in the market as properly. Ultimately, Carolina’s two-year supply received out, though that has proved to solely quantity to a one-year dedication.
The Panthers ranked final within the NFL in scoring and whole protection, and their 32 sacks positioned the group twenty ninth within the league. Enchancment in that regard will likely be a key aim, however Clowney won’t play a job in that effort. He’ll now be a part of the likes of Von Miller, Za’Darius Smith and Matt Judon as veteran edge-rushers nonetheless available on the market.
