Jadeveon Clowney named Panthers' most-expendable player going into 2025

The veteran pass rusher could be a one-and-done in Carolina.

Dec 1, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (7) during the second half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

There are very few players on the Carolina Panthers roster who would net a decent return in a trade and would also be somebody that the Panthers are willing to move on from.

The one that sticks out like a sore thumb is veteran pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney, who Pro Football Network recently tabbed as the team's most expendable player.

"With Carolina improving but still in its rebuild phase, the Panthers should allow the rookies every opportunity to play in 2025. That could put a player like Jadeveon Clowney on the trade block, both this offseason and ahead of the in-season trade deadline."

"At 32 years old in a contract year, Clowney is one of the more obvious trade targets league-wide. His age means he doesn’t really fit in with the Panthers’ timeline, but he’s still effective enough that contending teams should love to have the former first overall pick in their pass-rushing rotation. Even if Clowney wants to stay home in the Carolinas, the Panthers should look at adding more draft capital given that contenders like the Detroit Lions, Washington Commanders, and Philadelphia Eagles could all use another edge rusher."

In last weekend’s draft, the Panthers used their second and third round selections on pass rushers Nic Scourton (Texas A&M) and Princely Umanmielen (Ole Miss).

In an ideal world, those rookies aren’t forced to be heavily relied on and can learn from a guy who’s been around the block, such as Clowney. But Carolina’s defense could stand to see improved depth in both the secondary and the linebacker unit. Parting ways with Clowney can free up roughly $7.8 million in cap space for GM Dan Morgan to allocate to the aforementioned areas.

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