The Carolina Panthers are expected to offload players at the trade deadline, and one writer suggests that Jadeveon Clowney could end up with the Buffalo Bills. Originally the first overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, Clowney faced injury setbacks early in his career but eventually became one of the NFL’s top all-around pass rushers. In 2023 with the Baltimore Ravens, the South Carolina alum posted 9.5 sacks, 43 tackles, and 19 quarterback hits, helping lead the team to the AFC Championship Game.
Following that season, Clowney secured a two-year contract with the Panthers, stepping in to replace Brian Burns. Though he’s recorded only one sack so far, he could thrive in a more favorable setting. With the Panthers now at 1-7, Sports Illustrated’s Matt Verderame speculates that a Clowney trade to Buffalo could be on the table.
If Carolina decides to part ways with some veteran players, Buffalo could be a likely destination. The Bills and Panthers share deep connections in their front offices—Panthers GM Dan Morgan worked under Bills GM Brandon Beane from 2018 to 2020, and Beane himself spent 19 years with the Panthers before joining Buffalo. Although the Bills recently acquired receiver Amari Cooper, adding another pass rusher like Clowney, who will become a free agent after this season, could be beneficial.
Panthers, Bills Could Agree to A Jadeveon Clowney Trade
Jadeveon Clowney remains under contract until the end of the 2025 season, yet Matt Verderame’s case for a trade remains relevant. The Buffalo Bills are comfortably leading a weak AFC East and could clinch the division as early as November, though simply winning the division isn’t the end goal for Josh Allen and the team. Since their AFC Championship appearance in 2020, Buffalo has yet to make the leap to a Super Bowl victory, and after several painful playoff losses, the importance of every roster spot is clear to this determined squad.
With only one team receiving a first-round bye in the playoffs, the 6-2 Bills need to continue building momentum to gain that crucial edge in January. Facing tough upcoming games against the Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers, and Detroit Lions, Buffalo needs the strongest possible roster to emerge victorious. While they already have a solid pass rush, adding Jadeveon Clowney to the lineup could boost their odds in these high-stakes matchups, potentially lifting them past their recent playoff hurdles.
Will the Panthers Do This?
While it’s understandable that the Bills would be interested in Jadeveon Clowney, the Panthers face a dilemma when it comes to trading him. Even though they’re not in contention this season, they’ll still need a capable edge rusher for 2025. Head coach Dave Canales and GM Dan Morgan made significant strides in strengthening the offensive line during the offseason, though this came at a cost to the defense. As a result, their defensive unit ranks near the bottom in multiple metrics, so they may hesitate to move players who could support them in the coming season.
Although Clowney hasn’t entirely lived up to his contract, he’s not a liability. Given that the team will likely focus on finding a new quarterback this offseason, spending additional resources on defensive replacements might not be feasible. If the Bills offer a worthwhile draft pick, the Panthers might be willing to part with Clowney, but they’re unlikely to let him go for a minimal return.
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