The Buffalo Bills are fighting to emerge as the main threat to the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC. They already upgraded their roster once by acquiring wide receiver Amari Cooper from the Cleveland Browns. Could Carolina Panthers linebacker Jadeveon Clowney be the next arrival?
Matt Verderame of Sports Illustrated reported Thursday the Panthers are weighing whether to “move off some of their veteran talent” amid a 1-6 start to the 2024 season. If they do, he noted the links between Bills general manager Brandon Beane, who was a member of the Carolina staff for nearly two decades, and Panthers GM Dan Morgan, a former front office assistant in Buffalo.
Clowney is mentioned in the article as a potential trade chip between the two teams. The veteran edge-rusher is in the first season of a two-year, $20 million contract with the Panthers.
Will the Buffalo Bills Trade for Jadeveon Clowney?
Analyzing Clowney’s NFL Track Record
Clowney was selected by the Houston Texans with the first overall pick of the 2014 NFL draft. While he hasn’t put together a Hall of Fame résumé, he’s remained an effective pass-rushing asset for most of the past decade. His journey includes stops with Seattle Seahawks, Tennessee Titans, Baltimore Ravens, Browns and Panthers since leaving Houston.
The 31-year-old South Carolina native was highly productive last season in Baltimore. He matched his career high with 9.5 sacks to go along with 43 total tackles, five passes defended, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.
He hasn’t matched that level of performance early in his Carolina tenure. He’s recorded just 12 tackles and one sack through five appearances in 2024. His Pro Football Focus grade stands at a lackluster 56.1, suggesting the game tape matches the underwhelming numbers.
Clowney could be a victim of the Panthers’ overall struggles, though. The defense ranks 30th in yards allowed per game (385.7) and has a severe lack of playmakers. It wouldn’t be easy for any non-elite edge rusher to find consistent success given the situation. He’s also been dealing with a shoulder injury.
Panthers OLB Jadeveon Clowney plans to bring energy to the defense after missing the past two games with a shoulder injury. pic.twitter.com/O5rPYtNDxG
— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) October 23, 2024
The three-time Pro Bowl selection deserves the benefit of the doubt based on his solid play within a better Ravens defensive unit last season. It makes him a high-reward, low-risk pickup for the Bills or any other contender leading up to the deadline.
Clowney’s Fit with Bills Edge-Rushing Group
Buffalo’s pass-rushing numbers are good but not great. The Bills have recorded 19 sacks, which equates to 2.7 per game (tied for 12th in the NFL). They had just one sack apiece in their two losses to the Ravens and Texans, though.
So, adding another established edge-rusher to a group currently being led by AJ Epenesa (4 sacks) and Greg Rousseau (3.5 sacks) is probably a smart idea. The reserve trio of Dawuane Smoot, Casey Toohill and Javon Solomon has only combined for 3.5 sacks. (More on Von Miller shortly.)
Nothing extravagant from Greg Rousseau, just rush angle + reading the tackle’s set line & then using his length + hand placement to pry open the inside. A go-to for him in 2024
Nice long arm & hand usage from AJ Epenesa too#Bills #BillsMafia #GoBills
— Anthony Cover 1 (@Pro__Ant) October 21, 2024
The Bills have leaned heavily on a defensive line rotation during the Sean McDermott era. It’s been effective at keeping players fresh in the fourth quarter, but it also increases the importance on having backups who can handle a snap share upwards of 30 percent.
Clowney entering a situation where he can focus solely on rushing the passer makes sense. Smoot and Toohill would handle most of the second-team work in running situations.
What About Von Miller?
Miller is set to wrap up his four-game suspension for a violation of the NFL’s personal conduct policy. He’s eligible for reinstatement to the 53-man roster after Sunday’s game against the Seahawks.
The future Hall of Famer was an impact player before the suspension. He tallied three sacks in four games, which represented a much-needed return to form. He endured a downright awful 2023 campaign where he managed just three tackles and no sacks in 12 games after returning from a torn ACL.
It does raise the question about whether the Bills should try to sell high, however. The talented pass-rusher is the third season of a six-year, $120 million contract. A few months ago it seemed impossible for Buffalo to get out of that deal. That may be changing.
If they cut him as a regular cut they open up $8.5M. As a June 1 they have to carry him at $23M and then open up $17.5M on June 2. I think the $8.5M now is more valuable. They could have structured his deal very differently if the plan was a June 1 https://t.co/gpA0c4A683
— Jason_OTC (@Jason_OTC) October 20, 2024
Sports Events Guide’ Alex Havardansky recently laid out the case for the Philadelphia Eagles targeting Miller before the deadline. If there is genuine interest, the Bills must consider it given the financial ramifications. They would save $67.5 million over the next three years (2025-27) if he’s traded.
Clowney to Buffalo, Yay or Nay?
Clowney landing with the Bills will only happen if Miller is traded. There just wouldn’t be enough playing time to go around otherwise. Buffalo also wouldn’t want to give up assets, in this case probably a few draft picks, for someone who wasn’t going to make a weekly impact.
If Miller does get dealt—it’s unlikely but not totally out of the realm of possibility—then the Clowney rumors will start picking up some serious steam. Based on their production so far this season, it would be a slight downgrade. On the flip side, it would further the Bills’ year-long effort to create maximum financial flexibility for 2025.
According to Overthecap, the Bills can clear nearly $30 Million in cap if they make these 4 moves this offseason.
1) Josh Allen Extension $10.6 Million in cap savings
2) Cut Von Miller (Pre-June 1)- $8.45M
3) Cut Tyler Bass (Pre-June 1) $1.6 M
4) Extend Rousseau $9.89 M— Bills Chat Podcast (@BillsChatPod) October 23, 2024
One thing’s for sure: Beane shouldn’t be sitting idle ahead of the deadline. Cooper was a terrific addition to the offense. There are still holes defensively, however. Safety and linebacker are both serious concerns, and another edge rusher will be a must if a Miller blockbuster happens.
The Bills are aiming to remain in the Super Bowl conversation in what was originally ticketed as a transition year. A standout trade deadline could help make that reality.
Main Photo: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
