The Carolina Panthers are looking to build on some optimism from the second half of last season.
Despite finishing with a 5-12 record and in third place in the NFC South, there were some impressive strides made following the Week 11 bye.
Former No. 1 pick Bryce Young finally took steps forward after a disastrous first two seasons, but the defense left a lot to be desired.
Part of that defense is Jadeveon Clowney, another former No. 1 pick, who is currently on the final year of a two-year, $20 million deal.
Carolina has reportedly been seeking a potential trade to ship Clowney away, given his $14 million cap hit, and they were predicted to strike a deal with the San Francisco 49ers, per Alex Kay of Bleacher Report.
“If the Panthers are willing to ship Clowney off cheap to clear cap space and free up a roster spot, the Niners would be wise to capitalize on the situation,” Kay wrote. “With $47 million in projected cap room—the second-most in the league—San Francisco can easily fit in Clowney’s contract and should only have to cough up Day 3 capital to get a deal done.”
Though Clowney never lived up to the elite ceiling of a former No. 1 overall pick, he’s still had an impactful career as a strong-side edge rusher.
He’s put together arguably his two most efficient seasons with quarterback pressure rates of 13.4% and 16% over his last two campaigns, respectively, per Next Gen Stats.
The Panthers used a second-round pick on edge rusher Nic Scourton so if Clowney is shipped off, there’s a promising rookie waiting in the wings.
