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Carolina Panthers finally make the high impact free agent signing they need to bolster their defense in 2024

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Travis May | Last updated 3/27/24

The Carolina Panthers have been incredibly active in free agency as they attempt to rebuild a roster that went 2-15 last NFL season. However, even after all their big moves they were still in dire need of a proven difference maker on the edge of their defense. Today they finally made the high impact free agent signing they need to get their defense back on track this fall.

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, former Baltimore Ravens edge defender Jadeveon Clowney will be signing with the Carolina Panthers on a two-year deal worth up to $24 million dollars. Clowney is fresh off his fourth 9+ sack NFL season and should bring much-needed leadership and dominance off the edge.

Compensation update: Panthers are giving Jadeveon Clowney a two-year, $20 million deal worth up to $24 million, per sources. https://t.co/qRAd9w8W6D
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 27, 2024

Jadeveon Clowney has had a few ups and downs throughout his career, now joining his sixth NFL team. But overall, Clowney has proven to be both a reliable run stopper and forceful edge rusher that always brings pressure at a high rate.

In fact, even in his down year with Tennessee where he got injured and failed to sack opposing quarterbacks even once, Clowney still brought pressure 11% of the time (above replacement level). But throughout his career, and especially in recent years, Clowney's pressure rate has been near the elites, almost hitting 15% just last year.

If the Panthers can get last year's version of Clowney as he comes home to the Carolinas their pass rush may be fierce. They've already signed D.J. Wonnum who racked up nine sacks last year and the raw but phenomenal athlete K'Lavon Chaisson. Clowney's signing gives the team a formidable rotation of edge rushers with contrasting styles that should be tough to plan against.

Be looking for more Carolina Panthers coverage here at A to Z Sports all year long! Be sure to follow me (@FF_TravisM) and A to Z Sports (@AtoZSportsNFL) on X for all the latest news in football!

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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