Panthers Eyeing Pass Rusher Jadeveon Clowney
Just a few days ago, the Carolina Panthers' biggest needs were on the offensive side of the ball, mainly at guard and receiver. They addressed the interior of the line by agreeing to deals with Damien Lewis and Robert Hunt and made significant progress at receiver with the trade for Diontae Johnson of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Now, the front office has to find some pass rushers. Trading away Brian Burns and losing Frankie Luvu and Yetur Gross-Matos means that 66% of the team's sack-getters from this past season are now gone. Of those still on the roster, Derrick Brown leads the way with just two.
Rock Hill, South Carolina native Jadeveon Clowney could be part of the solution. The 31-year-old is set to visit with the Panthers at some point this week, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network.
The former No. 1 overall pick in 2014 has had an up and down career for the most part, but last season in Baltimore he found a ton of success and perhaps one of the best years of his career. He wrapped up with 43 tackles, 19 QB hits, 9.5 sacks, nine tackles for loss, five passes defended, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery.
According to Spotrac, Clowney has an estimated market value of $7.2 million per year. Who knows what type of money Clowney will actually land, but the Panthers shouldn't be concerned with getting outbid for him. They have more than enough money available to sign him to a one-year deal and if they really want to sweeten the deal, possibly two years with it being front-loaded.
