Many can speculate that the Panthers, Buccaneers could involve themselves in a confusing Jadeveon Clowney trade. According to a few reports, many believe the Panthers are willing to send Clowney to their divisional round since Tampa Bay head coach Todd Bowles has the defensive mindset. This is true, but it doesn’t seem logical, considering the Panthers are rebuilding their team and they would probably want to keep one of the best pass rushers for at least one more year on his contract. However, the team could probably consider a Clowney but at the right place and price after being the subject of those rumors late in the 2024 campaign.
Originally selected in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft, the journeyman had a rollercoaster career, earning three Pro Bowl nods across spending time with six teams in his tenure. It seems unusual for Clowney to become a journeyman since he has a lot of talent on his NFL resume, but injuries have been slowing him down in the past until everyone saw his full potential in 2016. However, the veteran was still battling lingering injuries after that year but had a revitalizing season with the Ravens in 2023 which led to the Panthers signing him to a two-year deal last offseason.
Since Clowney is aging, it might be best for the Panthers to find a trade partner so they get something in return or release him so he has the freedom to sign with a contender to win his first Super Bowl ring. Teams like the Ravens, Chargers may provide Clowney the opportunity.
Panthers, Buccaneers Connected in Confusing Jadeveon Clowney Trade – Ravens, Chargers Seem More Logical Fits
Back to Baltimore?
A trade back to the Baltimore Ravens makes sense, considering the landscape of the team’s defense. Trenton Simpson didn’t show much to intrigue the front office he will be a long-term answer, but bringing back Clowney could provide stability between Simpson and David Ojabo. Rumors are speculating that the Ravens could release Ojabo since he’s been a bust draft selection since drafting him in 2022. If that’s the case, Baltimore could ship Ojabo and perhaps, Kyle Van Noy in a trade package in return for Clowney.
As much as they probably want to keep Van Noy for one more year, it might be better for the Ravens to bring back Clowney to stabilize the outside end of the pass-rushing unit. It would bring this defense back to life to assist Roquan Smith in getting after the quarterback in crucial third-down possessions.
Cashing out the Chargers
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Chargers almost looked like a complete team this past 2024 campaign but they were unsuccessful due to an inconsistent amount of wide receivers for quarterback Justin Herbert. However, the team is embracing losing several key defensive stars like edge rusher Khalil Mack and cut candidate Joey Bosa. The Chargers should probably sign at least Poona Ford to an extension but they have the funds to facilitate a Clowney trade.
Nobody would get the job done better than Clowney who would be a reliable defender to help achieve Jim Harbaugh’s philosophy of winning in the trenches. Clowney is a temporary fit and replacement for Mack while they look for a new linebacker in this year’s draft.
The post Panthers, Buccaneers Connected in Confusing Trade – Ravens, Chargers Seem More Logical Fits appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.