Packers Should Pursue Veteran 32-Year-Old DE

Jadeveon Clowney was recently released by the Carolina Panthers, creating a potential opportunity for the Green Bay Packers to add some much-needed experience to their defense. While Clowney may not have fully lived up to the expectations that come with being the first overall pick in the 2014 draft, he’s by no means a scrub. The former Pro Bowler still has plenty of game left and could offer consistent production at a position where the Packers lacked stability last season. Green Bay may have drafted help at edge rusher, but Clowney would be a much more proven option.

Last season, Clowney totaled 44 pressures according to Pro Football Focus, which was just behind Rashan Gary’s 47 despite Clowney playing in three fewer games. He also notched 5.5 sacks and 11 quarterback hits, both ranking second on the Panthers. At 32 years old, Clowney isn’t going to be the next Myles Garrett, and no one is expecting him to be. What he can do, however, is rotate in opposite Gary, lighten the load on Lukas Van Ness, and give the Packers another dependable pass-rushing option. 

Barryn Sorrel has the potential to make an impact as a rookie, but a Super Bowl-caliber defense isn’t going to rely solely on a first-year player to elevate the pass rush. Lukas Van Ness was once that promising rookie the Packers hoped would take the next step, but so far, he hasn’t quite delivered. That’s where someone like Jadeveon Clowney comes in. He's a steady, proven presence, and with Clowney, Green Bay knows exactly what kind of production to expect. There’s no guessing needed.

"I'm definitely gonna play well. You can mark my word on that," Clowney told The Athletic. "I played with a bunch of guys that was hurt this past year and I ended up playing extremely well for them. So it is what it is. I can play the game. I can play football. There are 31 other teams. I just hope another team gives me that opportunity so I can prove myself again. I feel like I can do that." 

The Packers should be first in line to provide that opportunity for Clowney. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Clowney is by no means trash, but the Packers have a place for him on their defense. He provides the reliability and flexibility that Green Bay’s pass rush needs.