Unless the Green Bay Packers are embracing an "addition by subtraction" mindset, they've spectacularly failed to bolster their defensive edge presence. The club's activity this offseason has only exacerbated the problem, though several free-agent options remain, such as Jadeveon Clowney.
Likely Hall of Famers Calais Campbell and Cameron Jordan, or high-profile veterans like Joey Bosa and Haason Reddick, dominate headlines. Naturally, Clowney's gotten lost in the shuffle of an intriguing class of aging pass-rushers on the open market. However, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic sees an opportunity for the Packers to zig while the rest of the NFL zags.
Schneidman identified Clowney as one of seven players still available who "could fit in Green Bay" ($) as the Packers finish assembling their 2026 roster.
Packers beat writer identifies Jadeveon Clowney as ideal potential free agency move
Despite trading Rashan Gary and letting Kingsley Enagbare leave, Schneidman believes the Packers are "probably set" on the outside of their defensive line. Yet, Clowney stands out as a potential depth piece because you can never have too many guys who can get to the quarterback. Green Bay general manager Brian Gutekunst has also notably already shown a willingness to bring in experienced options to improve the group up front.
" ... but maybe [Brian] Gutekunst wants to add a veteran as he did with defensive tackle Javon Hargrave ... Green Bay's depth behind Micah Parsons consists of Lukas Van Ness, the 2023 first-round pick yet to truly break out, 2025 Day 3 picks Barryn Sorrell and Collin Oliver, and Brenton Cox Jr., who had four sacks in seven games in 2024 but missed the majority of last season with an injury," Schneidman wrote.
Packers franchise cornerstone Micah Parsons is a transcendent talent, though the names behind him leave much to be desired. Nevertheless, he's only one person and is recovering from a torn ACL suffered in December. It's fair to wonder whether Green Bay can "hold down the fort" if his absence extends into next season, as Schneidman expressed when highlighting Clowney.
Moreover, Schneidman ponders if the Packers have surrounded Parsons with enough help to be "a legitimate Super Bowl contender." The team is relying on unheralded contributors to step up, which can be risky. Clowney would instantly give them a proven, productive starter with over a decade of success.
Across 13 games with the Dallas Cowboys in 2025, Clowney recorded 12 tackles for loss, 10 quarterback hits and 8.5 sacks. He "ranked fourth among all players with at least 200 pass-rush snaps with a 19.1-percent pressure rate," according to Schneidman.