Jadeveon Clowney Trade Reportedly Was Discussed by Panthers Before 2025 NFL Draft

Despite being starved for talent on the defensive side of the ball, the Carolina Panthers recently made attempts to trade Jadeveon Clowney.

Per ESPN's David Newton, the Panthers had discussions about trading Clowney prior to the start of the 2025 NFL draft.

Even though nothing came of those talks, Newton noted Panthers general manager Dan Morgan offered a noncommittal response when asked about Clowney's future with the organization on Friday.

"We're still working through the roster," Morgan said. "We're still talking through things. Obviously, we're focused on the draft right now and what's in front of us."

After using the eighth overall pick on wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, the Panthers focused their attention in the draft on defense. Their second and third-round picks were used on edge players Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen.

Drafting two edge players would seem to make Clowney expendable, but this is still a defensive roster starting from such a low point that getting rid of a quality player would hurt their chances in 2025.

The Panthers had the worst defense in NFL history by points allowed last season (534). Even if you go by points allowed per game to account for the current 17-game schedule, they still had the fourth-worst defense since 1978 when the league expanded to 16 games.

One reason there could be difficulty in trading Clowney is his contract. The 2025 season is the final year of his current deal, but he will account for $13.8 million against the cap.

The Panthers could save $7.8 million against the cap if they release Clowney, though that wouldn't seem to make much sense since he is still an effective player.

Clowney recorded 11 tackles for loss, nine quarterback hits and 5.5 tackles sacks in 14 games for the Panthers last season.