Packers named ideal landing spot for player with game-changing potential who could instantly upgrade the defense in 2025

No position has generated better results from veteran mercenaries than edge defender. Throughout the years, multiple teams have taken advantage of his process—some, like the Baltimore Ravens, even build part of their defensive philosophies around these types of players. A big recent fit of the premise is former first overall pick Jadeveon Clowney.

After playing his first five seasons for the Houston Texans, he became a journeyman with quick experiences for the Seattle Seahawks, Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens, and Carolina Panthers. And after being cut by the Panthers in May, he is still available in free agency.

Even if the Packers believe that Rashan Gary and Lukas Van Ness will both play better than they did in 2024, adding Clowney to the roster would be a valid bet for the roster.

Clowney is widely seen as an elite run defender, and his production in the NFL has backed that perception up. However, he is also a viable secondary option as a pass rusher. Gary has been a starter since 2021, and he's had 226 pressures over this period. In the same timeframe, Clowney had 197 pressures.

Financially, it's a reasonable and smart investment as well. Spotrac projects that Clowney will get a two-year, $22.8 million deal in free agency. His $11.4 million yearly average would be less than half of what Gary makes, and the difference on the field is truly not that big. After releasing cornerback Jaire Alexander, the Packers are fifth in the NFL in cap space, with $35.5 million. It's more than enough room to make the move.

Generally, Gutekunst likes to let the training camp play out to give young pieces the opportunity to improve. But signing Clowney wouldn't necessarily preclude the Packers from giving training camp and preseason reps to the developmental players. And when the regular season comes around, they would have a reliable option to supplement an area where the defense suffered last season.

The Packers have been hesitant to trade picks and give big salaries for veteran players, and reasonably so. But Clowney wouldn’t cost any trade compensation, and the salary isn’t expected to be that high either. It’s the type of move a front office can realistically make to improve the short-term outlook of a team without compromising the future.