It is no secret that the Green Bay Packers need something or someone to bolster the pass rush. The Carolina Panthers have provided a gift, releasing three-time Pro Bowler Jadeveon Clowney.
Despite a top-10 finish in total sacks, it was a far-too-inconsistent attack, as a third of Green Bay's sacks came in just two games. There are some factors to this, whether it be a new defensive scheme with new assignments or a depleted secondary that made blitzing even riskier.
Packers GM Brian Gutekunst has gone on record saying that the team feels they can get better from within and get better production from guys like Rashan Gary, Kingsley Enagbare, and Lukas Van Ness.
The team has further addressed the position with two draft picks — Barryn Sorrell in the fourth round and Collin Oliver in the fifth — both of whom are versatile in where they can play.
However, Clowney may just be a perfect fit for the Packers.
The 32-year-old is coming off a season with 44 total pressures and 5.5 sacks in 14 games. Prior to that, he made 9.5 sacks on a one-year deal with the Baltimore Ravens.
Why Jadeveon Clowney would upgrade the Packers' pass rush
From a financial standpoint, this could work. Once Matthew Golden and Anthony Belton sign their deals, the team is still estimated to have roughly $25-$27 million in salary cap room, which could be even higher with a potential restructured deal for Jaire Alexander.
Last year, Clowney played on a deal worth a salary cap hit of $6 million after a signing bonus and $2 million in guaranteed money, which is doable for the Packers.
As for the Xs and Os, that does get a bit tricky. Clowney certainly has the pedigree of being a former first-overall pick, though that was 11 years ago. However, he is still getting it done at the NFL level, with 16 sacks over the last two seasons. He has also been relatively healthy, playing 57 games of a possible 68 over the past four years.
Clowney would undoubtedly bolster the pass rush and put depth players like Brenton Cox Jr. and Arron Mosby on notice, especially after the team drafted two edge defenders.
Sorrell can mix it up inside, much like Van Ness has done at times, and Oliver has the ability to play as an off-ball linebacker. That would give defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley additional flexibility should Clowney sign.
For the right money, this would make a lot of sense. In Clowney, you get a guy who has pretty much matched Rashan Gary's production for a fraction of the cap hit. Green Bay could definitely use a proven pass-rusher, and one may have just fallen into their lap.