It's not every day that a Pro Bowl pass-rusher becomes available, but the Green Bay Packers must take advantage of Jadeveon Clowney's newfound free-agent status.
Clowney sent an emphatic message following his release from the Carolina Panthers, and the Packers should pay close attention.
"I'm definitely gonna play well. You can mark my word on that," Clowney told The Athletic. "I played with a bunch of guys that was hurt this past year. And I ended up playing extremely well for them. So it is what it is. I can play the game. I can play football. There are 31 other teams. I just hope another team gives me that opportunity so I can prove myself again. I feel like I can do that."
No lies were told.
Clowney overcame the Panthers-related obstacles to put together another impressive season. Per Pro Football Focus, his 44 pressures trailed only one Packers pass-rusher (Rashan Gary, 47), but he played three fewer games.
His 5.5 sacks would've ranked second for the Packers, as would his 11 quarterback hits. In 2023, he registered more sacks (9.5) than any Green Bay defender.
Packers must move fast to give Jadeveon Clowney the opportunity he wants
The Packers took steps to improve their pass rush in the draft, notably with fourth-round pick Barryn Sorrell, but this group still needs work. Green Bay is putting far too much faith in new defensive line coach DeMarcus Covington's ability to magically help Lukas Van Ness avoid becoming a first-round bust.
Clowney could perfectly complement Gary as a starter while easing the pressure on Van Ness.
Green Bay's front seven features enough versatility to rotate players and move them around — Gary often lines up at an interior position.
Just as importantly, signing Clowney would keep him away from a division rival like the Detroit Lions, who are among the top landing spots for the Pro Bowl pass-rusher.
A rotation of Gary, Clowney, and Van Ness, with depth from Kingsley Enagbare and Sorrell? That looks a whole lot better than the inconsistent group that derailed the Packers' championship hopes last term.
Clowney sent a clear message, and the Packers best listen closely.