Jadeveon Clowney won’t be joining the parade of veterans coming to the Jets.
Clowney instead signed with the Panthers in what will be a homecoming for the Rock Hill, S.C. native and University of South Carolina product.
The two-year contract, reportedly worth $20 million, represents a significant upgrade for Clowney, who played last season on a one-year, $2.5 million contract and matched his career high with 9.5 sacks with the Ravens.
The 31-year-old defensive end visited the Jets last week after they previously signed backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor, left tackle Tyron Smith and receiver Mike Williams to incentive-laden one-year contracts.
Clowney doesn’t carry the same extensive injury history as that trio.
The Panthers are the sixth team in seven years for Clowney, who has been a rental for Super Bowl contenders during past late-offseason free-agent periods.
Now he is signing earlier than usual but to a team that had the fewest wins in the league last season and isn’t expected to compete for a playoff spot in 2024 under first-year head coach Dave Canales.
The Jets still are searching for a replacement pass-rusher after losing Bryce Huff to the Eagles.