The Carolina Panthers are making a significant change as they part ways with three-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney after just one season. The team’s decision was officially announced on Thursday, signaling a fresh direction as they gear up for their rookie minicamp this Friday.
Alongside Clowney’s release, the Panthers placed running back Jonathon Brooks—selected in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft—on the physically unable to perform list. This unfortunate move comes as Brooks continues to recover from a second ACL injury to his right knee, an ailment that will sideline him for the entire 2025 season.
Looking ahead to the draft, it’s clear the Panthers had been looking to move Clowney, a Rock Hill, South Carolina native. The team had explored options ahead of the NFL draft, presenting a clear intent to reshape their roster.
At 32 years old, Clowney was slated to count for $13.775 million against the salary cap in the second year of a two-year, $20 million contract. However, his departure isn’t solely about the cap space; the Panthers are eager to make room for free agent acquisition Pat Jones II and their recent SEC draft picks. Jones had a standout performance in his last season with the Minnesota Vikings, tallying a career-high seven sacks despite starting only one game. Carolina also brought in Nic Scourton from Texas A&M in the second round and Princely Umanmielen from Ole Miss in the third, aiming to bolster their edge-rushing capabilities.
In his lone season with the Panthers, Clowney recorded 5.5 sacks. For perspective, he had a more impactful year prior with the Baltimore Ravens, where he notched 9.5 sacks. This move marks a pivotal moment for the Panthers as they make clear their strategy moving forward.
In addition to releasing Clowney, Carolina also waived Colin Granger, a former Coastal Carolina basketball player attempting a shift to tight end. Granger faced challenges during offseason workouts due to a hamstring injury. Veteran tight end Jordan Matthews was also among those released, further indicating a broader roster overhaul.
Before Clowney’s release, the Panthers had six edge rushers on their roster, with Clowney and D.J. Wonnum as the returning starters. The addition of Jones II, combined with the draft selections of Scourton and Umanmielen, highlights Carolina’s ambition to inject new energy and talent into their defensive lineup.
With these developments, the Panthers are clearly positioning themselves for a strategic evolution, as they aim to enhance their competitiveness in the upcoming season. Fans will be keenly watching how these changes unfold and what they mean for the team’s trajectory moving forward.
