Earlier this month, former Houston Texans Pro Bowl defensive end Jadeveon Clowney was surprisingly cut by the Carolina Panthers. The former No. 1 overall pick of the 2014 NFL Draft just wrapped up his first season with the Panthers after signing a two-year, $20 million contract last offseason.
Given the moves the Panthers made in free agency and the NFL draft, it was only a matter of time before they parted ways with the veteran defender. The 32-year-old is now searching for his new opportunity after putting up 5.5 sacks last season in Carolina.
Immediately after his release from Carolina, Clowney told Joe Person of The Athletic that he still has a lot left in the tank and hopes another team gives him a chance to prove himself.
"I’m definitely gonna play well. You can mark my word on that. I don’t care where I end up playing at, I’m gonna play extremely well. I think I played well for Carolina (last) year, considering the circumstances that was unfolded for me. I played with a bunch of guys that was hurt this past year. And I ended up playing extremely well for them. So it is what it is. I can play the game. I can play football. There are 31 other teams. I just hope another team gives me that opportunity so I can prove myself again. I feel like I can do that."Jadeveon Clowney to Person
The veteran pass rusher did play well statistically for the Panthers as he was tied with A’Shawn Robinson for the team lead in sacks (5.5) last season. Clowney also had a 73.2 pass rush grade (30th among 211 EDGEs), per Pro Football Focus.
However, the former Texan wasn’t an impact player on the Panthers’ defense, like he was with the Baltimore Ravens in 2023. During that season with the Ravens, Clowney had 9.5 sacks, 19 quarterback hits, and 23 quarterback pressures.
Clowney had 22 QB pressures, but only generated 11 quarterback hits this past season. He’s not washed yet, but his performance in Carolina leaves much to be desired, and he hopes a new team will give him that chance.
For example, the Philadelphia Eagles, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, or the San Francisco 49ers could be great landing spots for Clowney. However, no one has invited Clowney for a visit or signed him, which isn’t the greatest sign with OTAs later this month and mandatory minicamp in June.