CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Jadeveon Clowney has bounced around to several different teams during the latter part of his career, but the veteran edge rusher had never been released … until Thursday.
Two weeks after taking a pair of SEC pass rushers during the second night of the NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers cut Clowney in the biggest of several roster moves before Friday’s start of rookie camp.
Advertisement
The release ends Clowney’s stint with his hometown-ish team a year earlier than he anticipated. The native of Rock Hill, S.C., who was the No. 1 pick out of South Carolina in 2014, signed a two-year, $20 million contract with the Panthers last March. Clowney, who tied defensive lineman A’Shawn Robinson for the team lead with 5 1/2 sacks in 2024, said this isn’t the end of his playing days.
“I’m definitely gonna play well. You can mark my word on that. I don’t care where I end up playing at, I’m gonna play extremely well,” Clowney said Thursday afternoon during a phone interview with The Athletic.
“I think I played well for Carolina (last) year, considering the circumstances that was unfolded for me. I played with a bunch of guys that was hurt this past year. And I ended up playing extremely well for them. So it is what it is. I can play the game. I can play football. There are 31 other teams. I just hope another team gives me that opportunity so I can prove myself again. I feel like I can do that.”
Clowney’s future with the team had been in question since the Panthers selected edge rushers Nic Scourton of Texas A&M and Princely Umanmielen of Ole Miss in the second and third rounds, respectively. General manager Dan Morgan was noncommittal when asked that night if the Panthers were considering moving on from the 32-year-old Clowney.
“We’re still working through the roster,” Morgan said. “We’re still talking through things.”
But Clowney said he had a feeling his time with the Panthers might be nearing a close when he reported for the start of organized team activities a few days before the draft.
“I went to OTAs Day 1 and they kinda told me they weren’t expecting me to be there. I got a sense then they wanted me out of the building,” he said. “I was just like, ‘Y’all could’ve told me this back when I was coming in here during the offseason.’ I kinda had a sense, though. I’ve been around the game long enough to know, so I was OK.”
Advertisement
Morgan reached out to several teams before the draft to gauge trade interest in Clowney, then unsuccessfully shopped him again following the draft, according to a league source. Releasing Clowney creates $7.8 million in salary-cap space for the Panthers, with $6 million in dead money, according to Over the Cap. That gives the Panthers a little more financial flexibility if they want to pursue a veteran safety or address depth at another position.
Clowney played in 14 of 17 games last year for a defense that lost veterans Derrick Brown and Shaq Thompson to season-ending injuries in the first month. D.J. Wonnum, another edge rusher who signed last March, missed the first nine games due to a series of setbacks following quad surgery.
The pass rush improved when Wonnum returned in November. But bigger issues remained for a defense that gave up the most points in NFL history while becoming just the third team to allow 3,000 yards rushing in a season. It was not what Clowney envisioned coming off a 9 1/2-sack season in 2023 with Baltimore, which lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game that season.
“A lot of guys got hurt up front. The guys I went in there intending on playing with I didn’t end up playing with. A lot of guys they counted on that was supposed to be on our team, that they expected to make plays and they paid … wasn’t there. And then on top of that, we was behind the 8-ball a lot, getting scored on and couldn’t score. It was like, you can’t rush, you can’t stop the run, you’re in a bad situation. That’s just football.”
With Clowney now a free agent, the 27-year-old Wonnum becomes the most experienced voice in an outside linebackers room that includes Scourton, Umanmielen, free-agent acquisition Patrick Jones II and returning players Amare Barno, Thomas Incoom and Kenny Dyson.
Advertisement
Meanwhile, Clowney, who’s been training in Houston since that first day of OTAs, will look for a fresh start elsewhere.
“I got more in the tank than people think,” said Clowney, who went to three consecutive Pro Bowls with Houston from 2016 to 2018. “I just keeping bringing it, and they’re gonna keep counting me out. I’ll just keep worrying about what’s in the house. And nobody lives with me but my family, so that’s all that matters.”
(Photo: Grant Halverson / Getty Images)
This news was originally published on this post .
About the author
Will US Open see only fourth mum win Grand Slam and first since 2011?
When Serena Williams faced Simona Halep in the 2019 Wimbledon final, she was widely expected to claim a record-equalling 24th major, an eighth Venus Rosewater Dish and with it would have joined another exclusive band of players.Victory would have seen her join only Margaret Court, Evonne Goolagong and Kim Clijsters in winning a Grand Slam singles title after becoming a mother. But Williams didn’t. Her 6-2 6-2 drubbing in 56 minutes shocked Centre Court and the tennis world, who much fancied the then 37-year-old to win a first major since the birth of her daughter, Olympia, in September 2017. Players who have won Grand Slams after becoming mums Evonne Goolagong Cawley - (Wimbledon 1980) Margaret Court - (Australian Open, French Open and US Open in 1973) Kim Clijsters - (US Open in 2009, 2010 and Australian Open in 2011) A […]
Pro & Contra – Hat Bayern die Schale schon sicher?
Die Bundesliga-Saison hat noch gar nicht begonnen, da ist der FC Bayern schon wieder in aller Munde: die Verpflichtung von Liverpools Luis Diaz, das Buhlen um Stuttgarts Stürmer Nick Woltemade. Mittendrin aber auch: die mahnenden Worte von Harry Kane, der von einem der kleinsten Kader spricht, in dem er je gespielt hat. Bayern zu dünn besetzt für die Meisterschaft? Oder schon voll auf Kurs?Ein Pro & Contra von SPORT BILD.Akkordeon und Lederhose: Luis Díaz begeistert Bayern-Stars<!-->[-->Quelle: Paulaner / FC Bayern München20.08.2025Contra: Der BVB muss die Chance ergreifen!Von Maximilian WessingDie weiße Flagge hissen? Warum?! Selbst Stürmer Harry Kane merkte bereits an, wie klein der Kader des FC Bayern sei – was zu einem echten Problem werden kann. Die Transferperiode verlief längst nicht glänzend und geräuschlos, mit Thomas Müller ist das Aushängeschild und der Moderator der Mannschaft weg, Jamal Musiala fehlt noch […]
Today on Sky Sports Racing: Ffos Las hosts six-race card
Kentucky River and Navid will be looking to follow up recent successes when they clash in the feature of six races from Ffos Las.2.10 Ffos Las - Recent winners Kentucky River and Navid clashLast-time winners Kentucky River and Navid lock horns in a trappy Ascona Ladies Fuelled By Fashion Handicap at Ffos Las. The Ollie Sangster-trained Kentucky River broke his duck at the eighth attempt at Pontefract on Sunday and bids to follow up off this 6lb higher mark. Jockey Luke Morris has a respectable 20% strike rate at the track over the last five years and could prove a valuable addition on top.Navid is another who arrives on the back of a victory having comfortably claimed a Salisbury handicap by two lengths last time out. This extra distance - stepping up to two miles for the first time - […]
Tyreek Hill of the Miami Dolphins was hit with an unexpected NFL fine
Tyreek Hill is one of the standout stars of the Miami Dolphins,known for his blazing speed, agility, and ability to evade defenders. Despite his talent, the young wide receiver has now been hit with a significant NFL fine, requiring him to pay a substantial amount of money. The fine has raised eyebrows across the league and sparked discussions among fans.Typically, fines in the NFL are associated with on- or off-field misconduct, but Tyreek Hill's case is unusual. The Miami Dolphins star was penalized not for behavior but for failing to wear some of the league-mandated equipment during games, drawing attention and sparking debate across the NFL community.Jaguars and Dolphins get into a massive brawl with Travis Hunter on the fieldTyreek Hill's unusual NFL fineUnlike typical fines for on-field misconduct, Tyreek Hill's penalty comes from a safety violation. The Miami Dolphins […]
San Francisco 49ers fans still want Trey Lance; tough blow for Brock Purdy
During this offseason, the San Francisco 49ers extended their quarterback, sparking mixed reactions among fans and analysts. Brock Purdy signed a 5-year, $265 million contract, with $181 million guaranteed, turning "Mr. Irrelevant" of 2022 into one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in NFL history.49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk Carted Off After Collision Before HalftimeIt's worth remembering that Purdy led the 49ers to the 2023 Super Bowl, where they fell to Patrick Mahomes' Kansas City Chiefs in overtime. That same season, Christian McCaffrey also had a spectacular year. The 49ers couldn't replicate that success in 2024, but they're aiming for a comeback in 2025.Despite all this, 49ers fans haven't forgotten the quarterback they originally chose in 2021 to lead the franchise: Trey Lance, for whom they traded three first-round picks. For one reason or another, it simply didn't work out.Trey Lance returns to […]
Nikola Jokic sent bizarre seven-word message to former Denver Nuggets teammate when he learned of exit
During the summer NBA trade period, the Denver Nuggets made a surprising roster move, sending forward Michael Porter Jr. to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for forward Cameron Johnson - denying Nikola Jokic the chance to keep playing with his friend. While trades are a routine part of league operations, the personal interactions surrounding this deal quickly drew attention, especially the farewell message Jokic sent to his former teammate. Nikola Jokic sets off Nuggets alarms with how little he cares about basketballMichael Porter Jr. recently revealed the humorous and unorthodox note in a conversation with the media.Following the trade, Porter Jr. shared the final message he received from Jokic. In a group chat that included Nuggets teammates, Jokic wrote: "Make sure you wear condom out there."Porter Jr. later reflected on the message, stating: "That was his goodbye to me."Fans react […]
Related
Will US Open see only fourth mum win Grand Slam and first since 2011?
When Serena Williams faced Simona Halep in the 2019 Wimbledon final, she was widely expected to claim a record-equalling 24th major, an eighth Venus Rosewater Dish and with it would have joined another exclusive band of players.Victory would have seen her join only Margaret Court, Evonne Goolagong and Kim Clijsters in winning a Grand Slam singles title after becoming a mother. But Williams didn’t. Her 6-2 6-2 drubbing in 56 minutes shocked Centre Court and the tennis world, who much fancied the then 37-year-old to win a first major since the birth of her daughter, Olympia, in September 2017. Players who have won Grand Slams after becoming mums Evonne Goolagong Cawley - (Wimbledon 1980) Margaret Court - (Australian Open, French Open and US Open in 1973) Kim Clijsters - (US Open in 2009, 2010 and Australian Open in 2011) A […]
Pro & Contra – Hat Bayern die Schale schon sicher?
Die Bundesliga-Saison hat noch gar nicht begonnen, da ist der FC Bayern schon wieder in aller Munde: die Verpflichtung von Liverpools Luis Diaz, das Buhlen um Stuttgarts Stürmer Nick Woltemade. Mittendrin aber auch: die mahnenden Worte von Harry Kane, der von einem der kleinsten Kader spricht, in dem er je gespielt hat. Bayern zu dünn besetzt für die Meisterschaft? Oder schon voll auf Kurs?Ein Pro & Contra von SPORT BILD.Akkordeon und Lederhose: Luis Díaz begeistert Bayern-Stars<!-->[-->Quelle: Paulaner / FC Bayern München20.08.2025Contra: Der BVB muss die Chance ergreifen!Von Maximilian WessingDie weiße Flagge hissen? Warum?! Selbst Stürmer Harry Kane merkte bereits an, wie klein der Kader des FC Bayern sei – was zu einem echten Problem werden kann. Die Transferperiode verlief längst nicht glänzend und geräuschlos, mit Thomas Müller ist das Aushängeschild und der Moderator der Mannschaft weg, Jamal Musiala fehlt noch […]
Today on Sky Sports Racing: Ffos Las hosts six-race card
Kentucky River and Navid will be looking to follow up recent successes when they clash in the feature of six races from Ffos Las.2.10 Ffos Las - Recent winners Kentucky River and Navid clashLast-time winners Kentucky River and Navid lock horns in a trappy Ascona Ladies Fuelled By Fashion Handicap at Ffos Las. The Ollie Sangster-trained Kentucky River broke his duck at the eighth attempt at Pontefract on Sunday and bids to follow up off this 6lb higher mark. Jockey Luke Morris has a respectable 20% strike rate at the track over the last five years and could prove a valuable addition on top.Navid is another who arrives on the back of a victory having comfortably claimed a Salisbury handicap by two lengths last time out. This extra distance - stepping up to two miles for the first time - […]
Tyreek Hill of the Miami Dolphins was hit with an unexpected NFL fine
Tyreek Hill is one of the standout stars of the Miami Dolphins,known for his blazing speed, agility, and ability to evade defenders. Despite his talent, the young wide receiver has now been hit with a significant NFL fine, requiring him to pay a substantial amount of money. The fine has raised eyebrows across the league and sparked discussions among fans.Typically, fines in the NFL are associated with on- or off-field misconduct, but Tyreek Hill's case is unusual. The Miami Dolphins star was penalized not for behavior but for failing to wear some of the league-mandated equipment during games, drawing attention and sparking debate across the NFL community.Jaguars and Dolphins get into a massive brawl with Travis Hunter on the fieldTyreek Hill's unusual NFL fineUnlike typical fines for on-field misconduct, Tyreek Hill's penalty comes from a safety violation. The Miami Dolphins […]
San Francisco 49ers fans still want Trey Lance; tough blow for Brock Purdy
During this offseason, the San Francisco 49ers extended their quarterback, sparking mixed reactions among fans and analysts. Brock Purdy signed a 5-year, $265 million contract, with $181 million guaranteed, turning "Mr. Irrelevant" of 2022 into one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in NFL history.49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk Carted Off After Collision Before HalftimeIt's worth remembering that Purdy led the 49ers to the 2023 Super Bowl, where they fell to Patrick Mahomes' Kansas City Chiefs in overtime. That same season, Christian McCaffrey also had a spectacular year. The 49ers couldn't replicate that success in 2024, but they're aiming for a comeback in 2025.Despite all this, 49ers fans haven't forgotten the quarterback they originally chose in 2021 to lead the franchise: Trey Lance, for whom they traded three first-round picks. For one reason or another, it simply didn't work out.Trey Lance returns to […]
Nikola Jokic sent bizarre seven-word message to former Denver Nuggets teammate when he learned of exit
During the summer NBA trade period, the Denver Nuggets made a surprising roster move, sending forward Michael Porter Jr. to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for forward Cameron Johnson - denying Nikola Jokic the chance to keep playing with his friend. While trades are a routine part of league operations, the personal interactions surrounding this deal quickly drew attention, especially the farewell message Jokic sent to his former teammate. Nikola Jokic sets off Nuggets alarms with how little he cares about basketballMichael Porter Jr. recently revealed the humorous and unorthodox note in a conversation with the media.Following the trade, Porter Jr. shared the final message he received from Jokic. In a group chat that included Nuggets teammates, Jokic wrote: "Make sure you wear condom out there."Porter Jr. later reflected on the message, stating: "That was his goodbye to me."Fans react […]
Be the first to leave a comment