When Jadeveon Clowney speaks, people listen—and his recent comments after being released by the Carolina Panthers have sent shockwaves through the NFL. The Green Bay Packers, in particular, should be paying close attention. Clowney didn’t mince words when addressing his future, and his message was loud and clear: he’s ready to prove himself again, and the Packers could be the perfect team to give him that chance.
Clowney’s Bold Statement to the NFL
After being released by the Panthers, Clowney told The Athletic he’s not done dominating on the field. He said:
“I’m definitely gonna play well. You can mark my word on that,” Clowney said. “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.”
Clowney wasn’t kidding. Despite the circumstances around him in Carolina, he had a great season. According to Pro Football Focus, his 44 pressures was second only to one Packers pass-rusher (Rashan Gary, 47)—and he did it in three fewer games. His 5.5 sacks would’ve been second on the Packers’ roster, as would his 11 quarterback hits.
In 2023 alone, Clowney had 9.5 sacks—more than any Packers defender last season. He’s proven himself, and he’s determined to prove doubters wrong.
Why the Packers Need Clowney
The Packers’ pass rush has been a mess, and Clowney could be the solution. They added Barryn Sorrell in the fourth round of the draft, but relying solely on new defensive line coach DeMarcus Covington to fix things is a risk. Lukas Van Ness, their first-round pick from 2023, hasn’t lived up to expectations yet, and the pressure is mounting to fix this problem.
Clowney isn’t just another veteran—he’s a proven Pro Bowl pass-rusher who can lift the whole defense. Pairing him with Rashan Gary would be a nightmare for opposing offenses. Clowney’s experience and leadership would take some of the pressure off Van Ness to develop without having to carry the weight of high expectations.
A Strategic Move Against Division Rivals
Signing Clowney wouldn’t just add to the roster—it would keep him away from division rivals like the Detroit Lions who are reportedly one of the top contenders for his services. Imagine Clowney lining up against Green Bay twice a year instead of the other way around. That’s a scenario the Packers must avoid at all costs.
With a rotation of Gary, Clowney, Van Ness, Kingsley Enagbare and Sorrell the Packers front seven would be a much deeper and more versatile unit. That’s what could make or break their championship hopes next year.
What’s Next for Clowney and the Packers?
Clowney has thrown down the gauntlet and now it’s up to the Packers to respond. Signing him wouldn’t just fill an immediate need—it would send a message to the rest of the league that Green Bay means business in 2024.
“He sent a message and the Packers better listen” one insider said.
If the Packers want to avoid last year’s struggles they need to sign Clowney.
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