Payday for Jadeveon Clowney (31): The number one pick from 2014 signs a top contract with the Carolina Panthers – at least compared to what he collected last season with the Baltimore Ravens.

Jadeveon Clowney has a new home in the NFL. The 31-year-old linebacker has signed with the Carolina Panthers for two years and 24 million dollars. This is reported by NFL insider Adam Schefter.

Last season, the number one pick from 2014 was still playing for the Baltimore Ravens on a one-year contract that earned him just 2.5 million dollars.

The move is therefore financially worthwhile, but also includes an emotional component.

For Clowney, it’s a homecoming. He comes from Rock Hill, South Carolina, about 25 minutes south of Charlotte, where he played at South Pointe High School. He also attended the University of South Carolina.

The signing of Clowney was essential for the Panthers after the departure of two-time Pro Bowler Brian Burns. The edge rusher joined the New York Giants via trade.

Clowney got his career back on track last year and became one of the bigger surprises for the Baltimore Ravens with his pass rush and toughness.

He proved that he can still impact games. By the end of the season, he had 9.5 sacks – a career high for the injury-plagued linebacker.

In the AFC Championship Game loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, Clowney contributed a sack to help Baltimore slow down Patrick Mahomes, at least in the second half.

Clowney is a three-time Pro Bowler and totaled 363 tackles, 52.5 sacks and 15 forced fumbles in 10 seasons.