Resurgent Veteran Pass Rusher Signs with the Panthers
Following a resurgent 2023-24 season with the Baltimore Ravens, veteran pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney has agreed to a two-year 20-million-dollar deal with the Carolina Panthers. Coming out of South Carolina in 2014, Clowney was prospected as being one of the fiercest pass rushers that the league has ever seen. However, following multiple knee surgeries that derailed and limited his production over his ten-year career, the three-time Pro Bowler found himself jumping around from team to team looking to find his long-term home. After stints with the Texans, Seahawks, Titans, Browns, and Ravens, Clowney will look to maintain his resurgent production after signing with the Panthers.
During his three seasons at South Carolina, Clowney made himself a hot commodity at the pass-rusher position, as he finished his collegiate career with 24 sacks, nine forced fumbles, and 47 tackles for loss. The Gamecock alumni was a two-time First-team All-American and All-SEC award winner. As well, was named the 2012 SEC Defensive Player of the Year after finishing the season with a single-season school record 13 sacks and tackles for loss (23.5). Following his impressive collegiate career, Clowney would be drafted first overall by the Houston Texans in the 2014 NFL Draft. During his five-year tenure with the Texans, Clowney totaled 29 sacks, 151 solo tackles, and four forced fumbles.
Prior to the 2023 offseason, Clowney’s production had taken a dramatic hit over the past four seasons following two major knee surgeries. In 47 games played from 2019-2022, Clowney managed only 15 sacks, 73 solo tackles, and eight forced fumbles with the Seahawks, Titans, and Browns. Following his release from the Browns in March 2023, Clowney would find his new home last season after signing a one-year deal with the Ravens. In 17 games played last season, Clowney found his spot within the Mike McDonald defense, as he finished the season with 24 solo tackles, two forced fumbles, and tied his career-best in sacks (9.5). The rejuvenated Clowney will look to maintain his productive performance after his signing with the Panthers.
