The Carolina Panthers recently made a surprising announcement regarding their willingness to trade former top pick Jadeveon Clowney, a move that could significantly benefit the San Francisco 49ers in their efforts to bolster their defense ahead of the 2025 NFL season. With the return of defensive coordinator Robert Saleh and superstar Nick Bosa, adding Clowney could be the missing piece to restore the 49ers’ defense to its peak performance.
Jadeveon Clowney – The Former No. 1 Star
Jadeveon Clowney, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, has established himself as one of the league’s most formidable edge defenders. While he hasn’t fully lived up to the initial “superstar” expectations, Clowney remains a reliable player with the ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks and stop the run. Over the past two seasons, he has recorded 15 sacks, including 9.5 sacks in the 2023 season with the Baltimore Ravens, along with 78 pressures, according to Pro Football Focus. These numbers demonstrate that, at age 32, Clowney remains a significant threat.
Currently, Clowney is in the final year of a two-year contract with the Panthers, with a $13.8 million cap hit for the 2025 season. However, the Panthers could save nearly $7.8 million by trading or releasing him, especially after drafting two young edge rushers, Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen, in the 2025 NFL Draft. This makes Clowney a prime trade candidate, and the 49ers are seen as an ideal destination.
Why the 49ers Need Clowney
The 49ers’ defense had a disappointing 2024 season, struggling with run defense and generating consistent pressure on quarterbacks. While Nick Bosa remains one of the NFL’s premier edge rushers, he lacks a reliable counterpart on the opposite side to share the burden. In the 2025 draft, the 49ers selected Mykel Williams with the 11th overall pick, a promising young talent who still needs time to develop. Adding a veteran like Clowney would provide immediate stability and experience.
According to Bleacher Report, acquiring Clowney via trade would not be overly costly, potentially requiring only a late-round (Day 3) draft pick. With approximately $46.4 million in cap space, the 49ers have the financial flexibility to absorb Clowney’s contract, especially as much of their budget is earmarked for extending quarterback Brock Purdy’s contract. Clowney would not only complement Bosa but also fit seamlessly into Robert Saleh’s defensive scheme, having previously led the 49ers to Super Bowl LIV in 2019.
Robert Saleh and Clowney’s Impact
The return of Robert Saleh as defensive coordinator is a game-changer for the 49ers. From 2017 to 2020, Saleh transformed the 49ers’ defense into one of the NFL’s best, with Nick Bosa, DeForest Buckner, and Fred Warner as key pillars. However, the 2024 season exposed a lack of creativity and effectiveness under Nick Sorensen, particularly in generating pressure and stopping the run. Saleh, with his experience and familiarity with the system, is expected to address these issues.
Clowney, with his ability to play the “wide nine” position and execute inside stunts, would be a critical weapon in Saleh’s scheme. He could serve as the edge rusher opposite Bosa on third-down situations while also contributing to run defense—a major weakness for the 49ers last season. The combination of Bosa, Clowney, and rookies like Mykel Williams could create a formidable defensive front, reminiscent of the Bosa-Dee Ford duo in 2019.
Long-Term Impact
Signing Clowney would not only provide immediate benefits but also help the 49ers build a sustainable defense. With Mykel Williams and other young talents like Alfred Collins and CJ West, Clowney could serve as a mentor, helping them adapt to the NFL more quickly. Additionally, his presence would alleviate pressure on Bosa, who is frequently double-teamed by opposing offenses.
However, the biggest risk with signing Clowney is his injury history. Since 2017, Clowney has not played a full season, and the 49ers would need a contingency plan in case he misses time. Nevertheless, given his reasonable cost and potential impact, this is a gamble worth taking.
Conclusion
The Panthers’ willingness to trade Jadeveon Clowney presents a golden opportunity for the 49ers to upgrade their defense. With Robert Saleh’s leadership, Nick Bosa’s dominance, and the potential of rookies like Mykel Williams, Clowney could be the final piece to propel the 49ers back to championship contention. If general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan decide to act, this trade could prove to be one of their smartest moves in the 2025 offseason.