Carolina Panthers could trade star defender

The Carolina Panthers could trade one of their top defensive players during the NFL offseason.

Nov 24, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (7) reacts after a sack in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images / Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

While the Carolina Panthers showed some promise toward the end of the regular season, it's obvious that they have a whole lot of work to do this offseason.

The Panthers have a bunch of needs up and down the roster, and they don't exactly have unlimited cap room to make significant improvements.

As a result, Carolina may need to seek out trades, and that may include moving some of its own players.

Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox has put together a list of the top trade candidates heading into the NFL offseason, and Panthers edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney was one of the most prominent names mentioned.

"While the Panthers have $32.8 million in projected cap space, they may look to generate more room to target better players in free agency," Knox wrote. "That could leave pass-rusher Jadeveon Clowney on the trade market."

Knox notes that Carolina could save $9.8 million in cap space if it trades Clowney, so there is no doubt that the organization is at least going to consider moving the veteran.

Clowney signed a two-year deal with the Panthers last offseason and had a decent debut campaign with the club, registering 46 tackles, 5.5 sacks and four passes defended in 14 games.

The 31-year-old is well traveled, as Carolina represents his sixth NFL team since entering the league as a No. 1 overall pick of the Houston Texans back in 2014.

While Clowney has never logged a double-digit sack campaign, he is definitely an impact player on the defensive side of the ball, and clubs in need of pass-rushing help would absolutely be interested in swinging a trade for the three-time Pro Bowler.

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