Carolina Panthers sign defensive end Jadeveon Clowney following free agency visit

The Carolina Panthers are reportedly signing former South Carolina first-rounder Jadeveon Clowney out of free agency this week, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport. Clowney visited the Carolina Panthers and the New York Jets, and even considered remaining with the Baltimore Ravens, but ultimately decided to join Dave Canales’ first-year squad. He’s signing a two-year deal for $20 million, which could be worth up to $24 million.

This season, Clowney had a resurgence as part of the Ravens’ stellar defense. He posted 9.5 sacks, which ties his career-high from the 2017 season. He also had 43 total tackles with two forced fumbles on the way to the postseason. During playoffs, he added another four tackles with one sack and 1.5 tackles for loss.

Clowney is entering his 11th year in the league. He has also played for the Texans, Seahawks, Titans and Browns so far. The Rock Hill, South Carolina native was drafted No. 1 overall in the 2014 NFL draft by the Texans.

In his first 10 seasons of the league, Clowney has racked up 363 tackles with 52.5 sacks and 76 tackles for loss. He also has 15 forced fumbles, nine recoveries and one interception. He’s earned three Pro Bowl nominations (2016-18) and one All-Pro second-team honor (2016).

More on the 2024 NFL offseason, free agency

The NFL 2024 calendar year begins at 4 p.m. ET on March 13. At that time, contracts running through 2023 officially run out, making those players free agents. Prior to the beginning of free agency, teams will have a chance to designate one franchise or transition tag player, starting on Feb. 20 at 4 p.m. ET and ending on March 5. Beginning March 11 through March 13 teams can enter into a legal negotiation with players who will become unrestricted free agents.

In addition to NFL free agency, the new year also marks the beginning of all trades being made official by the league office. April 19 marks the deadline to sign restricted free agents to offer sheets. On April 24, the deadline for teams to match restricted free agent offers sheets hits. Following the restricted free agent deadline follows the 2024 NFL Draft, which runs from April 25-27.