The 49ers only added one edge rusher this offseason. Jadeveon Clowney was recently released. We explain why he should be on the 49ers radar
The Carolina Panthers released Jadeveon Clowney, a former No. 1 overall pick and edge rusher who has been mildly productive in recent seasons. After drafting Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen, the Panthers are taking the youth movement approach at the position.
Carolina saves against the cap after Clowney was due over $8 million. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports that the Panthers explored a potential trade of Clowney on draft week, but now, the three-time Pro Bowler is a free agent.
After letting Leonard Floyd walk in free agency, Mykel Williams was the lone addition on the edge this offseason. Judging by Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch’s comments after the draft, Williams will be spending plenty of time at defensive tackle.
After Nick Bosa, the depth chart at defensive end consists of Yetur Gross-Matos, Drake Jackson, Sam Okuayinonu, and Robert Beal Jr. None of those names should prevent the 49ers from adding a veteran like Clowney. If anything, it should encourage them.
Clowney’s production in Carolina should intrigue Robert Saleh. On 611 snaps, Clwoney had 12 tackles for loss, 15 quarterback hits, and 5.5 sacks.
If we’re comparing Clowney’s numbers to Floyd’s, Clowney had a higher hurry, hit, and pressure percentage than Floyd, and by a considerable amount. As you might expect, Clowney’s pressure numbers dwarfed Gross-Matos’s from a percentage point of view. For reference, Clowney pressured the quarterback on 13.2 percent of his rushes compared to 9.9 by Gross-Matos.
But this offseason has been about retooling the run defense. Clowney’s 24 run stops would have tied him for sixth on the Niners last season, mainly because of a lower snap count. If age is a concern, last season proved that less is more with Clowney. You’re not bringing him in to be this dominant force that caused him to be the No. 1 overall pick.
Adding Clowney would be similar to the 49ers playing Ronnie Blair during Saleh’s first stint as the Niners’ defensive coordinator. Obviously, Clowney has a higher floor and brings more to the table. Still, it’s a player you can count on to produce despite being a backup. That’s what championship defenses need.
At 32, Clowney might not even be interested in signing with a team until late in training camp. He’s a player the 49ers should watch closely throughout the summer.