News Summary
The Carolina Panthers have released veteran linebacker Jadeveon Clowney, making a significant change to their roster before rookie minicamp. Clowney contributed 5.5 sacks last season and joined the team last March. In a move to strengthen their defense, the Panthers have also signed Patrick Jones II and drafted two promising prospects. Despite these changes, the team has several outside linebacker options remaining. Meanwhile, the Panthers prepare for the rookie minicamp and announce upcoming community events to engage local talent.
Charlotte – The Carolina Panthers announced the release of veteran outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney on Thursday, marking a significant change in their roster ahead of rookie minicamp. Clowney, 32, was a considerable contributor to the team, tying for the highest number of sacks last season with 5.5.
Clowney joined the Panthers last March, having the opportunity to play for his hometown team in Rock Hill, South Carolina. His time with the Panthers has come to an unexpected end as the team embraces a new direction with younger talent.
In a move to bolster their defensive lineup, the Panthers also signed Patrick Jones II, a 26-year-old former outside linebacker from the Minnesota Vikings, who had a productive season last year with 7.0 sacks. Additionally, the team traded up during the latest draft to secure two promising prospects: Nic Scourton in the second round and Princely Umanmielen in the third. Scourton, who will turn 21 during the preseason, and Umanmielen, recently 23, are seen as key additions aimed at enhancing the team’s performance on the field.
Despite the departure of Clowney, the Panthers retain several options at outside linebacker, including D.J. Wonnum, DJ Johnson, Amaré Barno, Kenny Dyson, Thomas Incoom, and Boogie Basham. These players will be essential as the team looks to refine their defense heading into the new season.
Additionally, the Panthers placed Jonathon Brooks on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list due to a torn ACL sustained during Week 14 of the previous season. This injury will keep him sidelined for the entirety of the 2025 season. The team also waived Colin Granger, a basketball-to-tight end convert, with an injury settlement after he faced challenges on the roster.
As part of their roster reconfiguration, the Panthers also made several other transactions. Defensive tackle Popo Aumavae was waived due to injury, and the organization released tight end Jordan Matthews and receiver Dax Milne. In addition, they waived receiver T.J. Luther, offensive lineman Andrew Raym, and defensive tackle Jerrod Clark.
With these recent moves, the Carolina Panthers now have a current roster of 62 players, as they prepare for the upcoming rookie minicamp scheduled to begin on Friday. This session will feature eight drafted rookies alongside a group of undrafted rookie free agents, giving the coaching staff an opportunity to evaluate new talent ahead of the upcoming season.
In addition to the rookie minicamp, the Panthers are also gearing up for the Keep Pounding High School Classic, an event that will showcase four local high schools at Bank of America Stadium. This initiative indicates the Panthers’ commitment to local community engagement and development of future talent within the sport.
As the Panthers navigate changes in their roster and look towards building a stronger team, all eyes will be on the rookies as they begin their journey in professional football.
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Additional Resources
- Carolina Panthers Release Jadeveon Clowney
- Wikipedia: Jadeveon Clowney
- Athlon Sports: Panthers Release Former No. 1 Overall Pick
- Google Search: Carolina Panthers
- ESPN: Panthers 2025 Free Agency Tracker
- Google Scholar: Carolina Panthers news
- Cat Crave: Panthers Make 10 Roster Moves
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Carolina Panthers
- SI: Panthers Roster Moves with Cade Mays and Labryan Ray
- Google News: Panthers 2025 season
