Bleacher Report Tabs Clowney as One of the Worst Free Agent Signings of 2024

Carolina’s move to sign the veteran pass rusher isn’t loved by all.

Following the trade of Brian Burns, the Carolina Panthers had no choice but to heavily pursue experienced pass rushers in free agency. There weren’t many high-level names available, but the Panthers seem to have come out okay by inking Jadeveon Clowney and DJ Wonnum. 

Neither Clowney or Wonnum have the ceiling of Burns, but the two combined can help make up for the void Burns leaves behind and then some. 

Ryan Fowler of Bleacher Report does not share that same opinion, naming Clowney as one of the 14 worst free agent signings of the offseason.

“There's a ton of boom or bust coiled up in the frame of Jadeveon Clowney. At times, he can completely overwhelm opposing linemen. Other times, he disappears for weeks on end.

“While you could say Clowney is playing the best football of his career with 11 sacks in two of his last three campaigns, he'll take on a new role in Carolina where he's expected to lead a youth-infused group of pass-rushers behind him, something he's never done in his prior five stops. Although his deal won't break the bank, Clowney, 31, could end performing like a long-in-the-tooth pass-rusher.”

Personally, I don’t see how Clowney could be even mentioned in this discussion. Even if the production isn’t there, it’s not like Panthers forked up a ton of money or committed to a long-term deal that they will be stuck with. He was one of the best options on the market and can at least give Carolina a chance to get to the quarterback.