Carolina Panthers Act Swiftly in Free Agency: Signing Offensive Guards, Losing Brian Burns, and Adding Jadeveon Clowney
When NFL free agency commenced, the Carolina Panthers wasted no time, swiftly securing new starting offensive guards with hefty contracts totaling over $150 million for Damien Lewis and Robert Hunt. However, the Panthers faced a setback as they lost two-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Brian Burns, who was traded to the New York Giants.
In response, Panthers general manager Dan Morgan sought a replacement for Burns, and the solution came in the form of Jadeveon Clowney, as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Clowney inked a two-year deal worth $20 million, with a maximum value of $24 million. Following a standout season with the Baltimore Ravens, where he notched 9.5 sacks, the 31-year-old Rock Hill, South Carolina native returns to his roots to continue his football journey after a decade-long career spanning five different teams. With 52.5 sacks to his name, Clowney instantly becomes the Panthers’ most accomplished pass rusher, boasting a resume that includes two Pro Bowl appearances.
The Ravens defense generated a 6.9% higher pressure rate with Clowney on the field last season, despite blitzing on 10.7% less dropbacks.
Clowney generated 71 pressures in 2023, 29 more than any defender on the Panthers.#KeepPounding https://t.co/qDXgJgoP19 pic.twitter.com/jFNZ9aGgeJ
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) March 27, 2024
Clowney’s signing marks the second time a South Pointe High alum joins the Panthers, following Stephon Gilmore’s arrival in 2021. Given the Panthers’ lackluster sack production last season, changes were imperative, especially after the departure of Brian Burns, necessitating the recruitment of multiple players to fill the void.
With Clowney, along with Wonnum and Chaisson, now part of the roster, hopes are high that Ejiro Evero’s defense will make significant strides in 2024. Additionally, the team looks forward to bolstering its lineup further through upcoming additions in the 2024 NFL Draft.
