Carolina Panthers Release Veteran Pass-Rusher Jadeveon Clowney
The Carolina Panthers have released veteran edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney after just one season with the team, the organization announced on Thursday. Clowney, 32, was set to carry a \$13.8 million cap hit for the 2025 season. His release saves the Panthers approximately \$7.8 million against the salary cap, though it comes with a \$6 million dead cap charge .
Clowney joined the Panthers in March 2024 on a two-year, \$20 million contract, returning to his home state of South Carolina after a productive season with the Baltimore Ravens. In 14 games with Carolina, he recorded 5.5 sacks, 11 quarterback hits, and 46 tackles .
The move is part of a broader defensive overhaul by the Panthers. In the 2025 NFL Draft, the team selected edge rushers Nic Scourton from Texas A\&M and Princely Umanmielen from Ole Miss. Additionally, Carolina signed former Minnesota Vikings outside linebacker Patrick Jones II to a two-year, \$20 million deal in free agency
Clowney, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, has played for six NFL teams over his 11-year career, including the Houston Texans, Seattle Seahawks, Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens, and Carolina Panthers. He has amassed 58 sacks, 139 quarterback hits, 15 forced fumbles, and 409 tackles in 140 games
With his release, Clowney becomes a free agent and is expected to draw interest from teams seeking experienced pass-rushing