The Carolina Panthers effectively admitted this won’t be their year when they benched Bryce Young for Andy Dalton, which means they could look to trade big-name veterans like Jadeveon Clowney. A free agent signee, Carolina spent big on the veteran as they tried to replace the departed Brian Burns. Clowney has yet to record a sack with his new team, but it’s worth pointing out that he recorded a career-high 9.5 sacks last year with the Baltimore Ravens.
The Panthers signed Jadeveon Clowney to a two-year deal, but that doesn’t mean they won’t trade him. Now in his age-31 season, Clowney is closer to the end of his career than the beginning and probably won’t be any good by the time the Panthers are ready to compete. Carolina can clear $2 million in cap this year while clearing $10 million in 2025, and teams like the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs should be interested in landing the veteran.
Panthers Could Trade Jadeveon Clowney to Chiefs, Ravens
If any team knows how to get the most out of Jadeveon Clowney in a trade, it’s the Baltimore Ravens. The former first-overall pick had a remarkable season in Baltimore, playing a pivotal role on the league’s best defense while recording 9.5 sacks, 43 tackles, nine tackles-for-loss, and 19 quarterback hits. While he left in free agency, the Ravens would’ve loved to keep him around. Unfortunately, salary cap concerns meant they couldn’t match Carolina’s two-year, $20 million offer. Fortunately for them, they could get him at a reduced rate for just the cost of a draft pick.
Carolina already handed out his $8 million signing bonus and two game checks, which means these numbers will not impact Baltimore’s salary cap. A Jadeveon Clowney trade would come with a roughly $2 million cap hit in 2024, which the Ravens can easily afford. Nnamdi Madubuike remains elite, but Baltimore could use another edge rusher to dig themselves out of their 0-2 hole, especially considering Kyle Van Noy’s injury. Finding good pass rushers at this stage of the season isn’t easy, and Clowney shouldn’t need any time to adjust to the new defense.
Chiefs Powering Up
The Kansas City Chiefs enter Week 3 with a 2-0 record but a +8 point differential. They’re two close breaks away from being 0-2, which means they’re not the clear best team in football. There is no such thing as a perfect roster, and Kansas City should consider a Jadeveon Clowney trade to bolster a defense that might need some help in 2024.
Chris Jones is still his usual reliable self, as he’s already recorded 1.5 sacks in the first two games. Ditto for former first-round pick George Karlaftis, as he remains productive despite only recording 0.5 sacks thus far. Unfortunately, 2023 first-round pick Felix Anudike-Uzomah continues to disappoint, which means this team could use someone to fill the starting spot opposite Karlaftis. Michael Danna is a decent edge rusher, but a Jadeveon Clowney trade would give this team two above-average edge rushers to pair with superstar Chris Jones. Seeing as passing attacks across the league are struggling, a strong defense could ensure no team can match the offensive firepower of Patrick Mahomes.
Main Photo: Jim Dedmon – USA Today Sports
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