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Free Agency Prediction: Dolphins Sign 3x Pro Bowl Edge Rusher

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Coby Leibowitz | Last updated May 9, 2025 2:43 PM ET

The Miami Dolphins' defensive line was one of, if not the biggest, holes on the roster going into this offseason. The Dolphins addressed this to an extent in the draft by using their first and third-round picks on the defensive line. The only problem is that they drafted two interior defensive linemen and did not address the edge whatsoever.

It seemed like the Dolphins were going to have to trade for an edge or choose from a few remaining free-agent defensive ends. Luckily for them, a talented veteran defensive end was just released, and he could be the perfect fit to help Miami get one step closer to being Super Bowl contenders. It was announced yesterday that the Carolina Panthers would be releasing three-time Pro Bowler Jadeveon Clowney.

Clowney was a former first overall pick who, although maybe hasn't lived up to those expectations, has still had a really solid NFL career. He has shown that he can still contribute to a team and at 31 years old is best fit for a win now situation. Plus, moving from Carolina to Miami sounds like a dream come true to most.

Clowney played in just 14 games for the Panthers last season and was still able to record 46 tackles, nine tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, and four pass deflections. In his last full season, the year prior in Baltimore, he recorded 43 tackles, nine tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, five pass deflections, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery.

Right now they have Matt Dickerson who has yet to play a snap for Dolphins or at all in over a year, and Zach Sieler that has been extremely solid for the Dolphins with very little depth behind both of them. Clowney could come in and instantly start over Dickerson or at least give the Dolphins some depth as a rotational player.

Clowney was making $10 million a year with the Panthers and will probably be looking for something similar in the $5-$10 million per year range. For Clowney's experience, talent, and skills, that would be an absolute steal for the Dolphins. Clowney can also help mentor the Dolphins' young pass rushers, including the two they just drafted, last year's draft pick of Chop Robinson, and seventh-round pick Zeek Biggers, if he makes the roster.

Clowney is the perfect fit for Miami, and the Dolphins can help their defensive problems by bringing him in. They already beefed up the secondary and the interior defensive line, so bringing in Clowney would be the cherry on top and fix the edge rusher problem. Clowney could end his career in the nice Miami weather and maybe even help them win a Super Bowl.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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