ESPN: Lions close in to sign Panthers $20 million number one pick.
Regarding a past number one overall pick that the Detroit Lions seemed to replace in this year’s NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers need to give them a call.
As the 2025 NFL offseason progresses, the Detroit Lions have yet to effectively resolve their most pressing problem.
Without a reliable edge rusher to start with Aidan Hutchinson, the club went into free agency.
The draft is over, and free agency commenced about two months ago.
In the sixth round of the draft, the sole player they recruited to the position was chosen.
The team didn’t really require that response, so it should indicate that they’re still actively seeking a replacement.
This offseason, a lot of alternatives have been floated. I’ve been partial to the thought of them bringing back Za’Darius Smith in particular, but it doesn’t appear realistic right now.
There are other options for free agents besides him. Veteran Emmanuel Ogbah has been making consistent contributions lately. There was a time when Matthew Judon was a top-tier pass rusher.
There was a lot of interest in dealing for Kayvon Thibodeaux, particularly after the Giants selected Abdul Carter in the draft.
The Lions’ solution, though, may be a different former top selection whose team selected his successor a few weeks ago.
Regarding a trade for Jadeveon Clowney, the Lions ought to give the Carolina Panthers a call.
With the selection of Nic Scourton in round two and Princely Umanmielen in round three, the Panthers seemed to have replaced Clowney in this year’s draft.
According to further reports, the Panthers discussed dealing Clowney before to the draft.
The Panthers were hesitant to commit to a future with Clowney after the selection.
He could be available before the conclusion of the summer, in which case the Lions would have a good alternative.
According to Pro Football Focus, Clowney had 24 stops, 42 total tackles, 44 pressures, and six sacks in 2024.
As a pass rusher with the Baltimore Ravens in 2023, he was even more effective. In his one season with the club, he recorded 9.5 sacks.
He wouldn’t have an effect on the team’s future cap problems when more of their large extensions start to play a role because his deal expires at the conclusion of the 2025 season.
If they trade for him before June 1, they would only take on a cap charge of $7.78 million. The cap hit would be $9.78 million in the event that a deal was reached after that date.
According to Over The Cap, the team presently has $42.3 million in cap space, and for the 2025 season, they don’t really need to spend it on anybody else.
Due to Clowney’s age, contract expiration, and possible cap savings for the Panthers, making a trade for him should cost relatively little in draft capital.
As the first pick in the 2014 draft, Clowney never lived up to the hype, but he is a seasoned player with a long track record of success who has remained a good choice in recent years.
