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David Newton
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Carolina Panthers are transferring on from three-time Professional Bowl edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney after only one season, the group introduced Thursday.
It was one in all a number of strikes introduced by the Panthers earlier than the beginning of their rookie minicamp Friday. Carolina additionally positioned working again Jonathon Brooks, a second-round decide in 2024, on the bodily unable to carry out record as he recovers from his second ACL damage to his proper knee in 13 months. He’ll miss your complete 2025 season.
The group had shopped Clowney, a local of close by Rock Hill, South Carolina, forward of the NFL draft, a supply had informed ESPN late final month.
Clowney, 32, was on account of rely $13.775 million in opposition to the 2025 wage cap within the second yr of a two-year, $20 million deal.
However his launch had as a lot to do with Carolina desirous to get free agent acquisition Pat Jones II and two Southeastern Convention draft picks on the sphere because it did about cash.
Jones had a career-best seven sacks with just one begin final yr for the Minnesota Vikings. Carolina drafted Nic Scourton of Texas A&M within the second spherical and Princely Umanmielen of Ole Miss within the third on Day 2 of the draft.
Clowney had solely 5.5 sacks final season with the Panthers after having 9.5 the earlier yr with the Baltimore Ravens.
Carolina additionally waived injured former Coastal Carolina basketball participant Colin Granger, who was making an attempt to transition to tight finish. He suffered a hamstring damage throughout offseason exercises, per a league supply.
Veteran tight finish Jordan Matthews was one other participant launched.
The choice to maneuver on from Clowney got here as no shock. Basic supervisor Dan Morgan was noncommittal on two separate questions throughout the draft on whether or not he was within the group’s plans.
Earlier than reducing Clowney the Panthers had six edge rushers on their roster with Clowney and D.J. Wonnum the returning starters. They signed Jones II in free company to a two-year deal price as much as $20 million earlier than drafting Scourton and Umanmielen.
Additionally they have DJ Johnson, who has solely 0.5 sacks in 5 begins since being chosen within the third spherical of the 2023 draft.
