Veteran EDGE Jadeveon Clowney is arguably the top remaining pass-rusher in free agency following his release from the Carolina Panthers. Clowney's market should start heating up with mandatory minicamp around the league roughly two weeks away. The three-time Pro Bowler possesses enough leftover juice to make a positive impact on a defense in 2025.
Clowney joined his hometown Panthers last offseason to help upgrade their pass rush. The results were middling, with Clowney producing 5.5 sacks, his second-lowest total since 2021. The Panthers finished 30th in sacks with 32 QB takedowns.
Clowney and the Panthers decided to go their separate ways. Clowney is now waiting for the right opportunity to reveal itself. With OTAs occurring around the league and training camp looming, we've identified three potential landing spots.
Baltimore Ravens
Clowney enjoyed a career resurgence with the Baltimore Ravens in 2023, matching a career-high 9.5 sacks. Even though then-defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald is no longer present, there's still lots of continuation on that staff to consider a reunion. Of course, John Harbaugh remains the head coach, but furthermore, Chuck Smith is still the outside linebackers coach, and Zachary Orr has since been promoted to defensive coordinator.
The Ravens finished second in sacks last season, but can they rely on a 34-year-old Kyle Van Noy to produce another 10-plus? David Ojabo never reached his ceiling and is entering a contract year. Adisa Isaac’s rookie campaign never got going after an offseason injury and stint on the NFI list. The Ravens can afford for their young pass rushers to take a backseat for one more season.
Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders have loaded around franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels this offseason, acquiring both Deebo Samuel and Laremy Tunsil via trade. Despite their aggressive approach, they've somewhat neglected the EDGE position. They currently have a bring-your-hardhat-to-work trio of Dorance Armstrong, Clelin Ferrell, and Deatrich Wise Jr. occupying the top of the depth chart.
Dan Quinn likes this group's attitude and physicality on early downs. The Commanders recorded a 12th-best 43 sacks last season, piecing together production. Last year's sack leader, Dante Fowler Jr., now plays for the division rival Dallas Cowboys. General manager Adam Peters still has roughly $20.1 million in effective cap space and should use that financial flexibility to pursue Clowney.
Philadelphia Eagles
General manager Howie Roseman is never opposed to adding a veteran who could help him repeat as Super Bowl champion. Though everyone remembers the Philadelphia Eagles' dominant performance in the Super Bowl, they only tied for 13th in sacks during the regular season with 41. Nearly half of those sack producers departed this offseason, with Josh Sweat (8.0) and Milton Williams (5.0) signing elsewhere in free agency, and Brandon Graham opting for retirement.
The Eagles need more from ascending talents Nolan Smith Jr. and Jalyx Hunt in 2025. Azeez Ojulari was a quality free-agent signing, and Josh Uche was a worthy flier. We'll see if rookies Ty Robinson (a Senior Bowl standout) and Antwaun Powell-Ryland can add anything to the pass rush. Roseman has more than $22 million in effective cap space and Clowney would add experience and production to the defensive line.
