OWINGS MILLS — The Ravens lost one of their best pass rushers from last season after outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney signed a free-agent contract with the Carolina Panthers.
Clowney, 31, rejuvenated his career in Baltimore and tied a career-high with 9 1/2 sacks. Clowney, who was selected as the first overall pick by the Texans in the 2014 NFL draft, appeared in 19 games, including the playoffs, last season.
Clowney was able to parlay that performance into a two-year, $20 million contract with Carolina that can be worth up to $24 million, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Clowney is from Rock Hill, South Carolina, so it’s an opportunity to play closer to home in what could be his final NFL contract.
The Ravens have yet to add a pass rusher this offseason and could select one in the NFL draft or bring in another free agent.
Kyle Van Noy also had a strong season and set a career high with nine sacks with the Ravens last season. He showed that he can still play at a high level at age 32 and the Ravens would consider bringing him back on a cap-friendly deal. Van Noy earned a base salary of $1 million last season.
Van Noy confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that he has been contacted by Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta about re-signing with the team.
Earlier this week, coach John Harbaugh expressed optimism about bringing back Clowney and VanNoy for next season.
“I’ve been texting with both ‘JD’ and Kyle here and there over the last couple of weeks,” Harbaugh said. “So, yes, I’m hopeful we get one or both of them back.”
The Ravens are now in line to receive four compensatory picks in the 2025 draft, in addition to their allotted seven selections.
This offseason, the Ravens have lost the following players in free agency:
- Clowney, Carolina Panthers
- Cornerback Ronald Darby, Jaguars
- Wide receiver/returner Devin Duvernay, Jaguars
- Running back Gus Edwards, Chargers
- Tyler Huntley, Browns
- LS Tyler Ott, Commanders
- Inside linebacker Del’Shawn Phillips, Texans
- Inside linebacker Patrick Queen, Steelers
- Offensive guard John Simpson, Jets
- Safety Geno Stone, Bengals
- Offensive guard Kevin Zeitler, Lions
