The Carolina Panthers have done a good job addressing the pass rush this offseason, most notably signing Jaelan Phillips to a big deal.

With the tandem of Phillips and Nic Scourton, plus Princely Umanmielen, they have a good base for the pass rush. But it could get even better if they find the right fit. 

Carolina's defense has the chance to be even better in the 2026 season. Getting after the passer would certainly help improve that and already they are being connected to a former No. 1 overall pick who was already on their roster. 

With the second wave of free agency underway, any future signings won't count towards team's compensatory picks. Heading into the Summer, we should see a lot more moves as teams look to bolster their roster. 

One notable name available is Jadeveon Clowney, a former No. 1 overall pick who has spent time with the Panthers. And a reunion was suggested by Pro Football Focus' Bradley Locker: 

Although only a handful of teams are in outward need of edge defender help, organizations can never be content with their depth at the position. Despite already signing Jaelan Phillips along their front, the Panthers could be a landing spot for Clowney.

Carolina does have suitable pass-rushers in Phillips, Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen, but the latter two displayed growing pains as rookies by sitting under a 62.0 pass-rush mark. The veteran Clowney could not only serve as a mentor to those second-year defenders, but also be a legitimate complement to Phillips.

Clowney spent the 2024 season with the Panthers, leading them in sacks with 5.5 on the year. In 2025, he joined the Dallas Cowboys where he posted a season of 8.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss. 

While he's on the other side of 30, the 33-year-old pass rusher could be a fit as a situational rusher. Having a good pass rush rotation should benefit him where he wouldn't have to be an every down edge rusher. 

Clowney's price wouldn't be high either and him being a mentor for some young edge rushers would only sweeten the deal.