The 2024 NFL offseason has been nothing short of eventful. Teams across the league making strategic moves to bolster their rosters. Among these, the Carolina Panthers have been particularly active. The Panthers' pursuit of excellence and desire to return to playoff contention has led them to make several interesting acquisitions. However, one move stands out as particularly daring and fraught with potential pitfalls: the signing of defensive end Jadeveon Clowney. This move, while filled with potential upside, carries significant risks that could impact the Panthers' season.
The Panthers So Far
The Panthers are undergoing a significant roster overhaul under new general manager Dan Morgan and head coach Dave Canales. A major move was signing former Miami Dolphins guard Robert Hunt to a contract worth $100 million over five years. Hunt allowed only one sack and three quarterback pressures. This addresses a critical need for the Panthers. They had the fourth-worst quarterback pressure rate and allowed 65 sacks last season.
Despite strengthening the offensive line, trading away star pass-rusher Brian Burns has drawn criticism. On the offensive side, the Panthers acquired Diontae Johnson, who immediately becomes Young's top target, surpassing Adam Thielen. They traded cornerback Donte Jackson and a sixth-round pick for Johnson and a seventh-round pick. Johnson has consistently produced over 50 receptions and 600 receiving yards in each of his five seasons. Dane Jackson is expected to fill the void left by Donte Jackson in the starting lineup.
Here we'll look at the one player who is the Carolina Panthers' riskiest free agency move in the 2024 NFL offseason.
Jadeveon Clowney, LB
Fans have been eagerly anticipating a major defensive acquisition after the Panthers lost several key players throughout the offseason. Their patience was rewarded when the Panthers signed edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney to a two-year deal. Clowney returns to his home state on a $20 million contract that could escalate to $24 million with incentives.
Although Clowney has not fully lived up to the expectations of a No. 1 overall pick out of South Carolina, he has proven to be a valuable player. He had a career resurgence with the Baltimore Ravens last season. He excelled in pass-rushing situations and solidified his reputation as one of the league's top edge-setters against the run.
Much of Clowney's success last season can be attributed to Mike Macdonald's defensive scheme and the talent surrounding him. However, his signing could help mitigate the loss of key players like Brian Burns, Frankie Luvu, and Yetur Gross-Matos to some extent.
Bye Bye Burns
Speaking of Burns, the mishandling of his contract situation by the Panthers has been widely criticized. After rejecting substantial trade offers for the star edge rusher, the team failed to secure his long-term future. At one point, the Panthers turned down an offer from the Los Angeles Rams that included two first-round picks and more for Burns. Ultimately, they accepted a significantly less favorable deal from the New York Giants. They received second and fifth-round selections in return. This loss of leverage resulted in the departure of one of the team's most dynamic young pass-rushers during his prime. Yes, Morgan cannot be entirely blamed for this outcome. However, it remains a disappointing scenario.
The challenge now is whether Jadeveon Clowney and DJ Wonnum can adequately fill the void left by Burns. Defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, known for maximizing limited resources last season, will need to replicate that success to bolster his credentials and support the team's defensive efforts.
Burns Replacement?
Despite the understandable focus on Burns' departure, improving depth at this critical position is arguably more strategic than committing over $30 million per season to a single player, especially for a rebuilding team.
Although Clowney is aging, he continues to deliver respectable performances. In 17 games (15 starts) with the Ravens last season, he recorded 43 tackles, 19 quarterback hits, 9.5 sacks, five passes defended, and two forced fumbles.
At 30 years old, Clowney achieved the third-best overall grade of his career in 2023 (83.8). Known for his stout run defense, he also posted his highest NFL pass-rush grade last year (79.0). His 16.5 percent pass-rush win rate and 85 quarterback pressures were the most he has ever achieved in a single season. Clowney aims to bring this high-level play to Carolina in 2024.
Boom or Bust?
That said, Clowney's career has been a series of boom-or-bust moments. At his best, he can dominate opposing linemen. However, he also has stretches where his impact is minimal.
Sure, Clowney is arguably playing the best football of his career, with 11 sacks in two of his last three seasons. However, he will be stepping into a new role in Carolina. Here, he is expected to lead a youthful group of pass-rushers. That is a responsibility he has not previously undertaken in his five prior NFL stops.
Although his contract is financially manageable, there is a risk that Clowney may not maintain his recent high performance levels. The Panthers are betting on his ability to anchor their defensive front and mentor their emerging talent, but the outcome remains uncertain.
Yes, the signing of Jadeveon Clowney brings potential rewards. However, it also carries significant risks. His performance could either elevate the Panthers' defense or fall short of expectations.
Looking Ahead
The Carolina Panthers' 2024 offseason has been marked by ambitious moves aimed at revitalizing the franchise. The signing of Jadeveon Clowney stands out as the riskiest of these moves. It carries the potential for both high reward and significant downside. The Panthers are banking on Clowney's talent and the hope that he can stay healthy and consistent. While the decision has generated excitement and optimism, it also underscores the precarious nature of relying on a player with a checkered history of injuries and inconsistency. As the season unfolds, the Panthers will discover whether their bold gamble on Clowney was a masterstroke or a costly misstep.
