The Philadelphia Eagles passed on making a splash move at EDGE rusher both in free agency and during the 2025 NFL Draft, but a major name was added to the free agent pool on Thursday.
The Carolina Panthers are releasing star pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney, per ESPN's Jeremey Fowler. The 32-year-old was entering the final year of a $20 million contract signed with the team in March of 2024.
While the Eagles filled out their depth chart with mid-tier EDGE options like Azeez Ojulari, Josh Uche and sixth-round rookie Antwaun Powell-Ryland this offseason, their group fails in comparison to last year’s unit that featured Josh Sweat and Brandon Graham. Philly will gain a roster spot for Graham when his retirement processes on June 1, and the team could still be looking to trade 2024 free agent bust Bryce Huff this summer.
Clowney could suddenly become a real option for Philly on a cheap, one-year deal, per insider Anthony DiBona. The Eagles could use a veteran presence in the room for ascending young stars like Nolan Smith Jr. and Jalyx Hunt, and Clowney is capable of filling that role while also rotating in as a situational pass rusher. He played 650 defensive snaps for Carolina last season and recorded 44 total pressures and six sacks.
Philly will most likely let this situation play out until after June 1, which is the most likely time for Huff to be traded based on salary cap ramifications. But given the team’s lingering need for an EDGE rusher, a potential high-end solution may have just fallen into the team's lap.
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