Jets should act fast after Panthers make shocking Jadeveon Clowney decision

The NY Jets might have some strong defensive pieces, especially with consistent Pro Bowl defensive tackle Quinnen Williams up front, but the pass rush group is such a suspect unit that they might need to make a new free agent acquisition to supplement them.

Starting defensive ends Will McDonald and Jermaine Johnson, the latter of whom is fresh off an Achilles tear and the former of whom has seen his tremendous pass rush skills minimized by his inability to effectively defend the run, bring some risk with them. Fifth-round rookie Tyler Baron may see major snaps as a rookie, which could help once again fire up the Jadeveon Clowney bat signal.

The Carolina Panthers were so unsatisfied with Clowney's performance that they signed Patrick Jones II in free agency and used a pair of Day 2 picks in the 2025 NFL Draft on pass rushers like Texas A&M's Nic Scourton and Ole Miss' Princely Umanmielen.

Clowney was released by his hometown Panthers just one year after he signed with them. Even as his pass rush upside starts to slowly ebb away in his old age, Clowney's run defense and ability to disrupt at the line of scrimmage is absolutely worth taking a flier on if the price is right.

Jets must consider Jadeveon Clowney signing after Panthers cut veteran DE

Considering the fact that Clowney took a major hometown discount and signed with Carolina after they were the worst team in the league in 2023, the former No. 1 overall pick might be willing to join the Jets over ring-chasing elsewhere if they can make him an offer that will appeal.

Clowney will guard against Johnson possibly being unable to reach the heights he climbed to during his Pro Bowl season in 2023. McDonald's terrible run defense can be negated by an edge-setter like Clowney, nullifying the biggest weakness this starting defensive line will have at the moment.

Micheal Clemons is an inferior player when compared to Clowney, even when one takes his versatility into account. Baron has the ability to develop into an impactful playmaker, but he might not provide the most immediate impact in his rookie season as he works on becoming more explosive.

Clowney is going to have a market out there, and the Jets will lose out on a player who could provide a major shot in the arm for a slightly overrated defensive end unit if they don't act quickly to get in contact with his agent.