Barring another ground-shaking move, the Carolina Panthers will be adding a first overall draft pick to their roster in 2023. But could they add another at some point this offseason?
NFL.com columnist Judy Battista thinks they might—naming the Panthers as a possible landing spot for defensive end Jadeveon Clowney.
“Jadeveon Clowney—who, of course, did not end very well in Cleveland. Sort of an unfortunate end,” she said in listing off free agent pass rushers on Friday. “But keep an eye on teams like, again, the Baltimore Ravens—who lost Calais Campbell. Really valuable rusher. Clowney, perhaps, can fill a role there.
“And then also, the Carolina Panthers—a team that, again, is shifting everything. They need pass-rushing help.”
And that’s no lie.
In fact, general manager Scott Fitterer already said as much. While running down what positions he’d still like to address during his most recent press conference, which took place on March 20, Fitterer mentioned that the roster can’t have enough pass rushers.
If Clowney were to be one of those additions, it’d be a homecoming for 2014’s No. 1 overall selection. The 30-year-old was born in Rock Hill, S.C. and attended the University of South Carolina from 2011 to 2013.
The three-time Pro Bowler, however, is coming off a painfully quiet campaign. After posting a solid 9.0 sacks the year prior, Clowney amassed just 2.0 over 12 games in 2022.
Nonetheless, he’s still out there—and the Panthers still have a little cash to burn.
