CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) – The Carolina Panthers released a popular hometown player on Thursday amid a series of roster moves.
The team confirmed that it cut veteran pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney, who starred at South Pointe High School in Rock Hill and then collegiately at the University of South Carolina.
The former Gamecock was the No. 1 pick in the 2014 draft and was signed by the Panthers last offseason.
In his one season with Carolina, Clowney tied for the team lead with 5.5 sacks and led the team with nine tackles for loss.
His release comes as the Panthers have worked to rebuild what was arguably the worst defense in NFL history this past season, and much of that had to do with the lack of a consistent pass rush.
Clowney’s release should not come as a huge shock, especially after Carolina used second- and third-round picks on pass rushers in last month’s draft. The team also signed an edge rusher early in free agency when they got Pat Jones II on a two-year deal.
Former South Pointe High School star Jadeveon Clowney was cut by his hometown Carolina Panthers on May 8.(Danny Karnik | AP)
The Panthers were Clowney’s sixth team in the past seven years, and now he is left looking for another. He was due $13.8 million in 2025, according to Over the Cap, and his release saves the Panthers $7.8 million in cap space.
Another player with Carolina connections — tight end Colin Granger — was also cut by the Panthers on Thursday. Granger was signed last month after never playing college football. Instead, he played basketball at Ohio, Western Carolina and Coastal Carolina.
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