Will the Chargers pursue Jadeveon Clowney after shocking Panthers release?

The Carolina Panthers shocked the NFL world on Thursday by releasing veteran edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney. One team's trash could be another team's treasure, though, with many LA Chargers fans pondering whether or not the Bolts should be interested.

After all, Clowney is a big name in the league who was still productive for the Panthers last season. He may no longer be a Pro Bowl-caliber edge rusher, but he is someone who could step in and produce as much (if not more) than Joey Bosa did a year ago.

With Bosa out of the picture and the only addition to the edge rusher room being a fourth-round pick, it's fair to ponder whether or not the Chargers should be interested. So... are they?

The LA Chargers will NOT pursue Jadeveon Clowney

There is no such thing as too much depth on the defensive line. The Philadelphia Eagles reminded the entire NFL of that in the Super Bowl by dismantling the Kansas City Chiefs to stop the league's first-ever three-peat.

On paper, Clowney would be more productive than Bud Dupree, can be as productive as Tuli Tuipulotu, and is more of a sure-fire asset in year one than fourth-round pick Kyle Kennard. For those reasons, Clowney seems like a sensible fit in the Chargers' edge-rusher room.

However, given how the Chargers have operated under general manager Joe Hortiz and head coach Jim Harbaugh, it is safe to say the team won't pursue the former No. 1 overall pick.

First of all, Clowney projects to have somewhat of a market after his shocking release. While a large portion of the league's free-agent spending is in the past, Clowney is still productive enough to warrant a decent one-year deal that is fully guaranteed.

The Chargers will have more of an appetite for a one-year deal as there is no future risk, but it is still difficult to imagine the team getting in any kind of bidding war (even if small) to sign someone as a pure depth piece.

As great as it is to have depth, the Chargers don't need to bring anyone in to the edge rusher room unless it is a true game-changer. Los Angeles needs to see what is has with Tulipulotu and Kennard specifically. Adding a one-year veteran past his prime only muddles those waters.

It seems strange not to sign a former No. 1 overall pick because of a fourth-round pick. However, Kennard has real potential to be an impactful pass rusher in his rookie season. The Chargers owe it to him to see that out, and can adjust during the season (or even after training camp) if needed.

Could the Chargers shock the fanbase by operating out of the usual with Clowney. Sure. But based on how Hortiz runs the team, it seems safe to say that Clowney won't be a Bolt anytime soon.