The Carolina Panthers are making significant moves to reshape their defense heading into the 2025 season. On Thursday, the team officially announced the release of veteran EDGE rusher Jadeveon Clowney.
Clowney was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft and signed a two-year deal with the Panthers during the offseason last year. In 14 games during the 2024 season, he recorded 5.5 sacks, nine tackles for loss, and 11 quarterback hits. He was a steady presence off the edge for the Panthers that have struggled with consistency throughout the year.
With Clowney parting ways with Carolina, it will clear a $7.8 million in salary cap space for 2025, giving the front office greater flexibility to address other needs during the offseason.
A South Carolina Gamecock legend and still a fan favorite, Clowney became a national phenom thanks to his explosive athleticism and unforgettable plays. None of which were more famous that "The Hit," a bone-crushing tackle against Michigan in the 2013 Outback Bowl. Clowney finished his collegiate career with 24 sacks and 47 tackles for loss in just three seasons. He earned SEC Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2012.
Clowney is now 32 years old and has played for six NFL teams across his decade-long career including the Texans, Seahawks, Browns, Ravens, and Panthers. In his total of 140 games, he accumulated 58 sacks, 108 tackles for loss, and 138 quarterback hits, proving himself to be a disruptive force when he is healthy.