The San Francisco 49ers are coming off a disappointing 6-11 season—their first losing record since 2020—and saw several key contributors depart this offseason. In response, the team restocked its roster with 11 draft picks, including former Georgia defensive end Mykel Williams, who was selected 11th overall. Two additional defensive linemen were drafted to revamp a defensive front that struggled last season.
Alex Kay of Bleacher Report recently listed four trades that should still happen before the 2025 NFL season. One of those hypothetical deals involves the 49ers, with Kay suggesting general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan target Carolina Panthers edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney to bolster their defensive front.
While Kay acknowledges that Clowney's best days may be behind him, he believes the veteran pass rusher can still contribute to defensive coordinator Robert Saleh's scheme. Over the past two seasons, Clowney has totaled 15 sacks. Two years ago, he notched 9.5 sacks and generated 78 total pressures, per Pro Football Focus, during a one-year stint with the Baltimore Ravens.
Clowney is entering the final year of the two-year contract he signed with Carolina last offseason. However, with the Panthers drafting edge rushers Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen, Kay believes Clowney could become a trade candidate.
"The San Francisco 49ers could be in the market for Clowney," Kay wrote. "There has been a clear need in the Bay Area to assist superstar Nick Bosa in the defensive trenches. The team didn't shy away from addressing that issue during the 2025 draft—utilizing a first-round pick to nab edge-rusher Mykel Williams—but San Francisco could use more veterans in the mix to build out the type of deep, talented pass-rushing rotation that propelled the Philadelphia Eagles to a Super Bowl last season."
Clowney, a three-time Pro Bowler, has built a reputation as a high-motor, reliable edge defender over his 11-year NFL career, racking up 58 career sacks.
The 49ers have approximately $46.4 million in available salary cap space, per Over The Cap. Much of that is earmarked toward a long-term extension for quarterback Brock Purdy, but San Francisco could still manage a veteran addition.
Clowney is set to count $13.8 million against Carolina's cap in 2025, and the Panthers could save nearly $7.8 million by releasing him; more if they trade him.
Kay added, "San Francisco can easily fit in Clowney's contract and should only have to cough up Day 3 capital to get a deal done."
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