Charger Report

Could Chargers' GM Hortiz steal $95 million EDGE stud he signed with Ravens?

EDGE rusherJadeveon Clowney is now a free agent. Los Angeles Chargers GM Joe Hortiz signed him before when he was with the Ravens -- should he do it again?
Brian Letscher|
Jan 28, 2024; Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) is knocked down by Baltimore Ravens linebacker Jadeveon Clowney.
Jan 28, 2024; Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) is knocked down by Baltimore Ravens linebacker Jadeveon Clowney. | Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

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Los Angeles ChargersBaltimore RavensCarolina Panthers

The Los Angeles Chargers still need help rushing the passer. Charger GM Joe Hortiz may know just where to find one.

The Carollna Panthers recently released pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney. Clowney once played for the Baltimore Ravens, signed there when Hortiz was the Ravens' Director of Player Personnel. While the idea has been floated that Clowney return to Baltimore, why wouldn't Hortiz bring him to Los Angeles instead?

Clowney signed a one-year contract with the Ravens in August of 2023. He notched 43 total tackles and 9.5 sacks as well as five passes defended and two forced fumbles. He also sacked Patrick Mahomes in the Ravens' loss to the Chiefs in the AFC championship.

Last season with the Panthers, Clowney played in 14 games and had 5.5 sacks. More importantly, he was No. 13 in the NFL in pass-rush-win-rate and No. 3 in run-stop for an EDGE player. That's a really productive, experienced professional football player.

Jadeveon Clowney, Patrick Mahomes
Nov 24, 2024; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) is sacked by Carolina Panthers linebacker Jadeveon Clowney | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

The Chargers currently have veteran Khalil Mack, Tuli Tuipulotu, Bud Dupree and 2025 draft pick Kyle Kennard in their EDGE/OLB spots. They have cap space and likely Clowney will come in at or around the $10 million per year he had with the Panthers.

Hortiz should repeat the move the Ravens made two years ago, this time for his Chargers. Clowney would be an excellent addition to a defense that has to stop a tough AFC West.

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Brian Letscher
BRIAN LETSCHER

A Michigan native, Brian graduated from the University of Michigan in another century, where he earned a degree in economics and a Rose Bowl Championship ring while playing football for the Wolverines under Head Coach Gary Moeller. Brian went on to coach Division 1A football for several years before becoming a full-time writer and actor while maintaining an unhealthy interest in sports. He is currently developing a scripted television series, THOSE WHO STAY, based on a series of historical fiction articles he wrote about Bo Schembechler's Michigan football program as they struggle to unite and win the championship - which requires beating #1 Ohio State - during the tumultuous civil rights and anti-war movements of 1969.

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