The Carolina Panthers made a big decision on Tuesday. 

Multiple sources report that the Panthers are releasing three-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney. 

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler added some additional information, detailing how Clowney was due $8.525M in salary, $2M of which is guaranteed after signing a two-year, $20 million contract in March 2024. 

It was also reported at the end of April by ESPN's David Newton that the Panthers explored trading Clowney prior to the 2025 NFL Draft. However, it seems they were unable to make that happen and instead were forced to release him in order to pave the way for the younger talent on the roster. 

Clowney finished the 2024 season with 46 total tackles, 5.5 sacks, and four passes defended across 16 games. He has a career 409 tackles, 58 sacks, 15 forced fumbles, nine fumble recoveries, one interception, one touchdown, and 32 passes defended across his 11 seasons in the league. 

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Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen now have a prime opportunity 

The Panthers focused heavily on the edge position on the second day of the draft, picking up Texas A&M edge Nic Scourton with the 51st overall pick (second round) and Mississippi Edge Princely Umanmielen with the 77th overall pick (third round). 

Carolina ultimately traded up with the Denver Broncos, going from 57 to 51 to make sure they locked down Scourton, who was projected as a possible first round pick. 

A to Z Sports' Ian Valentino provided his scouting report on Scourton prior to the draft, calling him a "Boom Bust Starter Potential."

"A densely built athlete who can size up or lean out depending on his role, Nic Scourton immediately proved to be a difference-maker after enrolling at Purdue. His subsequent transfer to Texas A&M brought a less-inspiring effort and level of play, but the high-end flashes show why he was a quality four star recruit. A locked-in version of Scourton has one of the highest upsides in the class as both a run defender setting the edge and a potentially elite pass rusher," Valentino wrote. 

So, now without Clowney, he has the opportunity to become the team's top edge rusher. 

Carolina Panthers steal the first round talent the rest of the NFL overlooked in round two of the 2025 NFL Draft

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