While the Dallas Cowboys are expected to re-sign Jadeveon Clowney, an NFC rival is apparently on the lookout for the veteran edge rusher to fill the defense gaps in their team.

According to Bradley Locker of Pro Football Focus, the Carolina Panthers seem a good fit for the three-time Pro Bowler. Clowney had a brief stint with the Panthers in 2024 and are emerging as the frontrunner to sign the former first overall pick from 2014.

“Although only a handful of teams are in outward need of edge defender help, organizations can never be content with their depth at the position,” Locker noted. “Despite already signing Jaelan Phillips along their front, the Panthers could be a landing spot for Clowney.”

Clowney signed a one-year deal with the Cowboys for $3.45 million in September 2025. He started 6 of 13 games he appeared in for the Cowboys. He recorded 8.5 sacks, 41 total tackles, and four passes defended.

“Clowney did his part on a subpar Cowboys defense, accruing an 80.6 PFF pass-rush grade with 40 pressures,” Locker wrote. “The former No. 1 overall pick has maintained strong play against the pass despite getting older, assembling at least a 14.9% pass-rush win rate every year since 2023.”

Despite such production, Jerry Jones has expressed the team’s intent on not continuing with Clowney for the next season. 

“It’s real hard when you look at how Clowney came on last year in the snaps he gave us,” Jones said during the NFL’s Annual Owners Meeting earlier this year. “It’s real hard not to have a place there for Clowney, but you can’t have it all. 

Jadeveon Clowney has emerged as an attractive pass-rush option, with interest from the Carolina Panthers underscoring his continued value previously. 

Why Clowney Could Be an Ideal Fit for the Panthers 

Clowney could be a low-cost high-impact player that may not affect the Panthers' cap space. He was released after just one season with the Panthers in 2025, despite having another year left in his contract.

The move saved the team about $ 7.7 million in cap space. These funds were utilised for the free agent signings of Tershawn Wharton, Patrick Jones II and others. However, the new entrants didn't live up to his production and expectations of the team.

The rookie edge rushers, Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen, also couldn't bring in enough production as envisioned by the defensive coordinator, Ejiro Evero.

“The veteran Clowney could not only serve as a mentor to those second-year defenders, but also be a legitimate complement to Phillips," Locker wrote.

The defense of the Panthers struggled to generate consistent pressure in 2025. Adding Clowney could boost the production and depth ahead of the 2026 season. 

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Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Rishab Nandi