Jadeveon Clowney embarked on his NFL career with the Houston Texans following his collegiate days at the University of South Carolina. He later showcased his skills across various teams with the Seattle Seahawks, Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, and Baltimore Ravens.
Recently, the seasoned Ravens player signed with the Carolina Panthers for the forthcoming seasons. Meanwhile, he eagerly anticipates a reunion in his hometown team expressing his desire to join forces with a former high school teammate.
Jadeveon Clowney hopes Panthers retain Stephon Gilmore
Jadeveon Clowney expressed his excitement at the prospect of reuniting with former high school teammate Stephon Gilmore. At his introductory press conference on Friday, the newly recruited Panthers player eagerly shared his hopes on the scenario.
“I’m looking forward to that. Hopefully he pull up and come play here. Me and him, have some fun here,” he said.
For the 31-year-old vet, returning to his roots in South Carolina holds significant meaning. Born and raised in Rock Hill, he sees joining the Panthers as a meaningful homecoming. Hence, soon after arriving in Carolina, he revealed that he had conversations with Gilmore before finalizing his decision to join the Panthers.
Clowney and Gilmore share roots in South Carolina, having attended South Pointe High School and later crossing paths at the University of South Carolina during the 2011 season.
Reuniting them in Carolina would not only bolster their roster but also address a positional gap in the Panthers’ secondary. It seems Gilmore is also keen on a return to Carolina, where he spent the 2021 season before a brief stint with the Indianapolis Colts.
Both players are eager to make their partnership on the field a reality once again. Gilmore confirmed that discussions with the team are ongoing, indicating a mutual desire for a reunion.
Meanwhile, the Panthers player also expressed his intention to play a role in facilitating an agreement between Gilmore and the Panthers.
Jadeveon Clowney Panthers contract details
The Carolina Panthers brought Jadeveon Clowney with a lucrative two-year contract. The deal, initially valued at $20 million, boasts the potential to escalate to $24 million with performance-based incentives. Further specifics about his contract remain undisclosed at this time.
Clowney embarked on the free agency journey, exploring his options with visits to multiple teams, including the Panthers, New York Jets, and ongoing conversations with the Baltimore Ravens. Eventually, the Panthers emerged as the frontrunners, opting to elevate their pass rush with the addition of Clowney.
He is expected to seamlessly integrate into defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero’s scheme garnering fame for his versatility and adaptability across various defensive systems throughout his decade-long NFL career.
With 52.5 sacks to his name over 10 seasons, he brings a wealth of experience and talent to the Panthers’ defensive lineup. His best stats include a career-best tying 9.5 sacks achieved during his tenure with the Ravens in 2023.