5 free agents that could let the Panthers draft best player available in 2022

Carolina Panthers could sign Jadeveon Clowney

Losing Haason Reddick in free agency was a bitter but expected blow once the Carolina Panthers allowed the stud pass-rusher to hit the open market.

There was always going to be a heavy amount of interest in a player that achieved 23.5 sacks over the last two seasons. This included 11 quarterback takedowns during his one and only season working with his former college coach Matt Rhule at the pro level.

Couple this with DaQuan Jones also departing for the Buffalo Bills and the Panthers might want to find some additional reinforcements. Matt Ioannidis will help, but more could be required despite the presence of Yetur Gross-Matos and Marquis Haynes.

Jadeveon Clowney is still available on the market and has close connections to the area having played his college football at South Carolina. Although his talent has regressed slightly, he can still wreak havoc when in the mood and also has the flexibility to play as a defensive end or at the three-technique position on the interior.

The former No. 1 overall selection might not have reached the lofty heights expected following his exceptional college production on the Gamecocks, but Clowney is a three-time Pro Bowler that is coming off a campaign with the Cleveland Browns where he attained nine sacks.

Much will depend on what sort of money Clowney is after, but this would be a popular move and one that could fill the pass-rushing void left by Reddick.