NFL Transactions: Carolina Panthers Release Edge Rusher Jadeveon Clowney

A three-time Pro Bowl pass rusher is on the market. According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Carolina Panthers are releasing edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney.

The #Panthers are releasing edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney, per sources. pic.twitter.com/apRKKoWcjN
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) May 8, 2025

Clowney joined the Panthers last year on a two-year, $20 million deal, but he has been deemed expendable after the Panthers spent their second and third round picks in the 2025 NFL Draft on edge rushers. Clowney logged 5.5 sacks, four passes defended, and nine tackles for loss in his one and only season with the team.

Clowney has become quite the journeyman since entering the league as the first-overall pick of the 2014 NFL Draft. After beginning his career with five seasons and three Pro Bowl appearances with the Houston Texans, Clowney has played for five different teams across his last six seasons. Barring a reunion, he'll be looking to make it six in seven.

Impact

Clowney remains an effective edge presence and should be able to serve in a rotation for a team that doesn't mind a veteran presence along their defensive line. Though never a prolific sack-getter, Clowney is still a reliable and durable defensive end. He earned a respectable 70.8 overall grade from Pro Football Focus over 650 snaps last season.

The Panthers will save $7.75 million against the cap by releasing Clowney, so that should be an indication around the league of where his value is. Given his age (32) and lack of eye-popping production, he may struggle to exceed $5 million on a one-year deal.

Clowney would be a good fit for a team desperate for an edge rusher, either because they've missed out on one so far in the offseason or because they suffer an untimely injury in the coming months. Assuming he didn't burn any bridges on his way out, linking back up with the Baltimore Ravens would give him a good shot at a Super Bowl. He logged a career-high 9.5 sacks with the team back in 2023. Sack-deprived teams like the New England Patriots, Tennessee Titans, and Atlanta Falcons would also be logical fits.