Insider Raises Eyebrows Over Panthers GM Dan Morgan’s Surprising Decision to Release Jadeveon Clowney

When the Carolina Panthers made the surprising decision to release veteran edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney, the NFL world didn’t just react — it paused in stunned disbelief. The move came seemingly out of nowhere and triggered immediate speculation across league circles, with insiders and analysts alike questioning whether newly appointed general manager Dan Morgan had just made a major misstep in the early stages of his tenure.

Clowney’s departure wasn’t expected. In fact, just weeks earlier, there had been growing optimism inside the Panthers’ building that the former No. 1 overall pick was a strong candidate to not only start on the defensive front but also serve as a locker-room stabilizer during what figures to be a transitional year for Carolina. Instead, Morgan’s decision to release him raised both eyebrows and questions — not only about Clowney’s status but also about the direction the team is heading under this new front office.

One anonymous NFC executive put it plainly: “That’s not a move you make lightly. Clowney was productive, healthy, and respected in that room. Unless there’s something behind the scenes that we don’t know, it’s a real head-scratcher.”

Jadeveon Clowney signed with the Panthers during the 2024 offseason on what was considered a team-friendly deal. After bouncing around the league with stops in Tennessee, Cleveland, and Baltimore, Clowney had revitalized his image with a strong campaign for the Ravens — notching 9.5 sacks, 43 tackles, and countless pressures that didn’t show up on the stat sheet. He brought high-level run defense and timely pass-rush presence to a Ravens unit that prided itself on physicality.

When Clowney joined the Panthers, it was hailed as both a homecoming and a savvy veteran signing. Born in Rock Hill, South Carolina, just minutes outside of Charlotte, Clowney embraced the idea of playing close to home, mentoring younger players like D.J. Johnson and Eku Leota, and helping Carolina reset its defensive identity. Fans embraced the move. Analysts praised it. And Clowney himself seemed invigorated by the opportunity.

All of which made Dan Morgan’s decision to move on from him before training camp that much more baffling.

From a football perspective, Clowney still has plenty left in the tank. While he has battled injuries throughout his career, 2023 was a healthy and effective season. He remains one of the league’s better edge setters against the run and continues to pressure quarterbacks with a rare blend of power and quickness. His production in Baltimore — especially down the stretch — was viewed as proof that he could still be an impact player in the right scheme.

In Carolina, Clowney figured to play a key role in new defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero’s hybrid 3-4 scheme. His ability to move between positions, rush from both the outside and interior, and take on double teams would have helped relieve pressure from star defensive tackle Derrick Brown, who is expected to command significant attention from opposing lines this season. Clowney’s presence also could have helped smooth the transition for former first-rounder Brian Burns’ replacement following his departure to the New York Giants.

Instead, the Panthers now face a glaring hole on the edge — and no obvious replacement. Johnson and Leota remain largely untested, and while Carolina has several developmental pass rushers on the roster, none bring Clowney’s pedigree or experience. If anything, the roster feels thinner than it did just weeks ago, especially at a position of major importance.

So why cut Clowney?

Some believe the answer lies in finances. Though Clowney’s deal was relatively modest in terms of cap hit, moving on from him before the season allowed Carolina to shed potential escalators and guarantees that would have kicked in based on playing time and performance. With the Panthers already tight against the cap — and still juggling long-term considerations for players like Jaycee Horn and Ikem Ekwonu — it’s possible Morgan made a cold, calculated financial decision.

But insiders close to the team suggest that it may go deeper than money. One source pointed to philosophical differences between Clowney and the new coaching staff. While Clowney was respected and productive in 2023, he has never been shy about speaking his mind — particularly when it comes to workload and role. It’s no secret that he prefers a rotational approach rather than playing every down, and he has, at times, clashed with coaching staffs over how he’s used.

“If there were early signs that he wasn’t buying in 100 percent,” the source said, “Morgan may have decided it wasn’t worth the risk — even if he was one of their most talented defenders.”

Still, the optics of the move are difficult to ignore. For a team trying to build trust with its fanbase, signal competence from the front office, and establish a clear identity under head coach Dave Canales, cutting one of your most experienced, respected, and productive veterans — without a clear explanation — is a curious way to do it.

Canales has remained tight-lipped about the decision, offering only a brief comment during a recent availability: “We’re always evaluating our roster and making decisions in the best interest of the team. We appreciate everything Jadeveon brought and wish him the best.” It was a stock answer — the kind that says everything and nothing at once.

Dan Morgan, meanwhile, is already beginning to feel the weight of scrutiny that comes with the GM role. This was his first major player personnel decision since taking over full control of the roster, and the fallout will likely shape how he’s viewed internally and externally in the months ahead.

Morgan, a former Panthers linebacker and Pro Bowler, was brought in to bring toughness, accountability, and vision to a franchise that has spent the past few seasons wandering in mediocrity. But while his track record as a front-office executive in Seattle and Buffalo was strong, this is his first time calling all the shots. And early missteps — especially those involving beloved or high-profile players — tend to linger.

Already, some within the league are questioning whether Morgan acted too soon. Clowney’s veteran leadership was viewed as a major asset in a young locker room, particularly with a new coaching staff and so much turnover. He was seen as a tone-setter — the kind of player whose presence allowed others to focus and follow.

“If you’re trying to build a culture, a guy like Clowney helps you do it,” said one former NFL coach. “Now, you’re rolling the dice that someone else steps up. Maybe they do. But maybe you just lost your best tone-setter for no reason.”

As for Clowney, early reports suggest that he won’t remain unsigned for long. Several playoff-contending teams are already expressing interest, including the Baltimore Ravens, who are reportedly open to a reunion, and the Kansas City Chiefs, who are always looking for veteran defensive help. Other potential fits include the Miami Dolphins and Jacksonville Jaguars — both of whom are dealing with injuries and depth concerns on the edge.

Wherever Clowney lands, he’ll carry a chip on his shoulder — one he’s worn for most of his career. The perception of Clowney as a player who underachieved relative to his draft position has long been at odds with his actual performance. Though he’s never posted gaudy sack numbers, his impact has always gone beyond the box score: drawing double teams, setting the edge, collapsing pockets, and making smart, disciplined plays that don’t show up on highlight reels.

Now, at 31, he’s motivated once again — this time to prove that Morgan and the Panthers made a mistake.

For Carolina, the decision to cut ties with Clowney will be judged not just by what he does elsewhere, but by how the Panthers’ defense performs without him. If the pass rush falters, if the locker room lacks veteran presence, or if younger players fail to step up, this will be remembered as an unforced error. If, on the other hand, the team thrives and finds unexpected production from within, Morgan may be vindicated.

But for now, questions linger. Was this about money? Culture? Fit? Philosophy? Or was it simply a gamble that didn’t need to be taken?

Insiders are still asking. Fans are still wondering. And Jadeveon Clowney, as he has done throughout his career, is once again preparing to silence the doubters. Only this time, the noise is coming from the place he thought would be his long-awaited homecoming.

“It’s tough to see a guy like that go,” said one Panthers player off the record. “He was a real one. And he could still ball. I guess that’s the business. But yeah—it shocked all of us.”