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Jets lose out on free agent star Jadeveon Clowney after he signs with Panthers

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Mike Antoniou | Last updated 3/27/24

It couldn’t all go Joe Douglas’ way this off season, right?

After a very successful free agency in which Douglas addressed some major areas of concern, including adding three starting offensive linemen, a proven (if not injured) number two wide receiver and added some depth along the defensive line, Joe missed out on Jadeveon Clowney who visited the Jets this week.

Clowney took a two-year $20 million contract to join the Carolina Panthers. The deal could be worth as much as $24 million.

While the money is likely the main reason Clowney wound up with the Panthers, it is also a coming home of sorts for the former number one overall pick who is from Rock City, SC and played his college ball at the University of South Carolina, in case you forgot.

Legend has it, the helmet is still rolling... pic.twitter.com/MnmbfXVJgA
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) March 27, 2024

Joe Douglas said that the team had an "outstanding" meeting with Clowney and they were in constant communication following the visit. But ultimately Clowney chose to go play for the team that is roughly a 30-minute drive to his family.

I just got off the phone with Jadeveon Clowney and his wife seconds after they hung up with the #Panthers on his decision to join Carolina. Clowney's mother had not even yet heard the news at the time:

"We're going to be just 30 minutes from home. It's where we do all our… pic.twitter.com/bTr1A40fi9
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 27, 2024

Not even Joe D can compete with family.

What Now For the Jets?

When asked about the possibility of signing Clowney at the NFL owners’ meetings in Orlando, head coach Robert Saleh said "You know me with pass rushers. The more the merrier."

With Clowney now off the board, Joe Douglas and co. could pivot to DE Yannick Ngakoue who the Jets have made overtures towards in the past. The Jets were in on Shaq Barrett before he ultimately signed with the Miami Dolphins.

Clearly, the Jets are still trying to find a player to take some of the weight of Will McDonald IV who is supposed to replace recently departed Bryce Huff.

Don’t be surprised if the Jets also address the position in the draft, though not likely with 10^th overall pick.

Like Saleh said, “the more the merrier”.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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