The Carolina Panthers have officially decided to part ways with Jadeveon Clowney, the three-time Pro Bowl edge rusher, after just one season. This move was announced ahead of the team’s rookie minicamp, which kicks off on Friday and is sure to set the stage for what’s next in Carolina.
Also making headlines is the update on running back Jonathon Brooks, a second-round pick in 2024, who finds himself on the physically unable to perform list as he recovers from his second ACL injury in just over a year. Unfortunately, this means that Brooks will miss the entire 2025 season, a tough blow for both the player and the organization.
Clowney’s departure wasn’t entirely unexpected; the Panthers had explored trade options involving him prior to the NFL draft, indicating they were looking for a shift in their roster dynamics. As Clowney, who hails from nearby Rock Hill, South Carolina, steps away from the team, it’s worth noting he carried a significant cap hit of $13.775 million for the 2025 season as part of a two-year, $20 million agreement.
The decision to release Clowney reflects the Panthers’ interest in maximizing the potential of their new acquisitions, particularly free agent Pat Jones II, who enjoyed a standout season with the Minnesota Vikings, tallying seven sacks despite starting only once. Additionally, the Panthers drafted Texas A&M’s Nic Scourton in the second round and Mississippi’s Princely Umanmielen in the third with designs on strengthening their edge rush.
Clowney’s statistics last season showed a decline – he managed only 5.5 sacks compared to 9.5 the previous year with the Baltimore Ravens. With this personnel shift, Carolina aims to bring fresh energy to their defensive front, a sentiment that was echoed by General Manager Dan Morgan, who had been ambiguous about Clowney’s future with the team during the draft.
In other roster movements, the Panthers waived injured tight end Colin Granger, a former Coastal Carolina basketball player attempting to make the transition to football. Granger’s ambitions to carve out a role were hampered by a hamstring injury he sustained in offseason workouts. Veteran tight end Jordan Matthews was also released, indicating the Panthers continue to seek a clearer and more effective tight end depth chart.
As they move forward, the Panthers are clearly in a transitional period, as they embrace new talent and recalibrate their roster strategy. With the rookie minicamp approaching, all eyes will be on how these adjustments play out on the field as the team aims to build a more formidable defense in the coming season.
