Panthers released former top overall pick on Thursday
The Los Angeles Rams should field one of the most dangerous pass rushes in 2025. Jared Verse took the NFL by storm in his rookie campaign, perfectly complementing fellow youngsters in Byron Young and Kobie Turner. Newly released Jadeveon Clowney would be an ideal low-risk acquisition to further boost the effectiveness of L.A.’s defensive line.
The Carolina Panthers released the former top overall pick on Thursday. Clowney has never lived up to his draft billing, yet remains a reliable depth piece for teams needing help off the edge.
For The Win’s Cory Woodroof thought the Rams could use a player like him to increase their Super Bowl chances:
“The Rams have two young pass-rushers in Jared Verse and Byron Young they can lean on, but deploying Clowney off the bench would help Los Angeles bolster its championship hopes. As veteran depth, it’s hard to find somebody like Clowney in May. The Rams could be pretty formidable off the edge with Clowney in town.”
Last season, Clowney had 5.5 sacks in 14 games with the Panthers. The three-time Pro Bowler has 58 sacks in his 11-year career, including at least 9 sacks in two of the last four campaigns.
Clowney wasn’t thrilled with how Carolina handled his release, and believes he has plenty left in the tank, according to The Athletic’s Joe Person:
“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. 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.”
Adding Clowney would be a smart move by the Rams. The veteran is hungry for another chance and likely willing to do whatever it takes to make it happen. That combo might be everything L.A. needs as they pursue a third Lombardi Trophy.
