2. Jadeveon Clowney, Carolina Panthers
Winning in Week 3 does not take the Panthers out of what should be sell-mode over the next month-plus. Any older players could/should be on the trade block, including the 31-year old Clowney.
The former No. 1 overall pick is on his fifth team over the last six seasons. He had his first sack of the season against the Raiders in Week 3, with a season-high seven pressures according to Pro Football Focus. Last season with the Baltimore Ravens, he had 9.5 sacks while playing all 17 games. Over a six-season span from 2018-2024, he was graded as a top-20 edge defender by PFF four times (No. 18 last year).
Clowney can still be a difference maker for a pass rush, and he has no long-term place on one of the worst teams in the league. The Lions could make a trade offer Carolina shouldn't refuse to rent him for the rest of the season.
1. Yannick Ngakoue, Free Agent
Before a down 2023 season that was shortened by injury with the Chicago Bears, few pass rushers in the NFL were as consistent as Ngakoue was . He posted at least eight sacks in each of his first seven seasons, with double-digit sacks twice and at least 9.5 sacks four times.
Part of the rub with Ngakoue, and perhaps a core reason he remains available as September winds down, might be how well-traveled he has been. He has played for five teams over the last four seasons, since his rookie contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars ran out. It's worth noting his underlying pass rush numbers have been eroding, and that seemed to show in his raw sack production last season. He's also not much of a run defender.
As for that aforementioned injury, a broken ankle, Ngakoue made an effort to dismiss any concern about it with a social media video back in May.
It's unclear why no one has signed Ngakoue. But with apparently few or no opportunities out there for him up to now, he may have to jump at the next team that has interest if he wants to play this season. The Lions could be that team, with a situation that should appeal greatly to him.
Update, 5:35 p.m. ET: Ngakoue is not an option for the Lions, at least for now. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, he is signing back with the Baltimore Ravens.
More pass-rush help on the way: Ravens are bringing back DE Yannick Ngakoue, who last played in Baltimore in 2020, per source. The 29-year-old Ngakoue has 69 career NFL sacks. pic.twitter.com/7j3YbfCqxy
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 23, 2024