Carolina drafted two defensive ends on Day 2 of the draft — Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen — and signed Patrick Jones II in free agency earlier this offseason. It’s possible that they move on from Clowney to save some of the $13.775 million he’s set to count against the cap in 2025. A trade would save them $9.775 million, while a release would save $7.775 million. Clowney’s entering his age-32 season after starting 14 games for the Panthers last year and notching 5.5 sacks.

Clowney was a DNP on Wednesday and Thursday but logged a limited session on Friday. The veteran pass rusher hasn’t played since Week 5 and will likely miss his second-straight game with the injury. In addition to Clowney, the Panthers also listed safety Sam Franklin Jr. and defensive tackle Jaden Crumedy as doubtful.

Clowney missed Week 6 with the shoulder injury after being listed as doubtful. A limited session to open the week is a good start for the veteran pass-rusher. He has one sack and two TFLs as a Panther.

Clowney was doubtful entering Sunday and is now officially out due to a shoulder injury. Jewell, Raym, Moton, and Tremble are all also out due to injury. The good news for a depleted Panthers team is that WR Diontae Johnson (ankle) is active.