'The Mercenary': Why Eagles Should Sign Jadeveon Clowney For One More Run
'The Mercenary': Why Eagles Should Sign Jadeveon Clowney For One More Run originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Philadelphia Eagles and Pro Bowl edge rusher Josh Sweat parted ways when he signed with the Arizona Cardinals. As a result, the team could be on the lookout for someone to replace him.
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Maybe that help is already here.
After all, Nolan Smith, Jalyx Hunt and Azeez Ojulari all either have "star quality'' or are anticipated to display it with more snaps coming to the group in 2025 as part of coordinator Vic Fangio's front seven.
Or...maybe, as the Eagles push to repeat as Super Bowl champions, a "mercenary'' might do.
Enter 32-year-old edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney.
Could he be a suitable fit as a helper?
The Carolina Panthers announced this offseason that they were cutting former Pro Bowl edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney...and so incredibly, given the fact that he was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, when he signs again he will join his seventh different team in the last eight seasons.
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That's a mercenary. And there's nothing wrong with that.
Oh, and in the last few years, he's also signed short-term contracts that end up costing his team various salaries. So he's not trying to break the bank.
Just two seasons ago with the Baltimore Ravens, he racked up 9.5 sacks in 15 games started. In 2024, he missed three games, but he was still able to get 5.5 sacks and 46 total tackles.
Could the Eagles use those 9.5 sacks? Those 5.5 sacks? While the reigning Super Bowl champions pay him the minimum to chase a ring?
One year. One time. One mercenary.
Related: Eagles' Saquon Barkley Reveals New 'Non-Retirement' Plan
Related: Analyst Explains Eagles Linebacker Draft Philosophy
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 23, 2025, where it first appeared.
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