Several factors pushed the Carolina Panthers to sign veteran pass rusher and former No. 1 overall pick Jadeveon Clowney.
One reason was to bolster the defense. However, another, and to some more pressing, reason was to replace former defensive captain Brian Burns.
At least, that is what star defensive lineman Derrick Brown, the Panthers' new $96 million man, thinks.
“We definitely needed something because when Brian got traded," Brown said when talking with reporters Wednesday. "I knew they were gonna try to get somebody good in here. They were able to sign him, so I'm excited."
Carolina traded Burns to the New York Giants in March for a second-round pick, a fifth-round pick and a fifth-round pick in 2025.
Burns then landed a five-year, $141 million contract. That was a contract the Panthers' simply weren't willing to pay.
Taking up Burns' place is Clowney, who is from Rock Hill, South Carolina. The Panthers gave him a two-year, $20 million deal.
Dan Morgan, the Panthers' general manager, and company believe that Clowney will be the same player he was for the Baltimore Ravens during the 2023 season.
The 31-year-old pass rusher reached 9.5 sacks for the first time since the 2017 season. Recently, Clowney said he could be a Pro Bowl player if he stays healthy.
The Panthers are betting on it.
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