Star defensive end Jadeveon Clowney is hot on the recruiting trail days after signing with his hometown team, the Carolina Panthers.

Clowney is trying to help rebuild a roster that finished dead last season in the league. And he’s looking for a key player from the 2023 Dallas Cowboys.

Jadeveon Clowney wanted to be closer to home

Clowney turned heads this week when he turned down opportunities to play for the New York Jets or return to the Baltimore Ravens. Both teams are expected to be in the playoff hunt in the upcoming season. Clowney wanted to return to the Carolinas, and he’s trying to recruit other local talent.

Clowney wants a former Dallas Cowboys player to join the Panthers

Per video posted by Matt Vereen with Wach Fox of Clowney at a press conference Friday, the new Panthers pass rusher said he’s trying to persuade Stephon Gilmore to sign with the Panthers.

"I'm trying to get him to pull up too. Do the Rock Hill thing, the South Carolina thing"

New Panther Jadeveon Clowney (@clownejd) says he's hit up fellow Gamecock product and Rock Hill native Stephon Gilmore (@BumpNrunGilm0re) to come join him in Carolina@GamecockFB | @wachfox pic.twitter.com/mimVLUgB57

— Matt Vereen (@MattVereen) March 29, 2024

Gilmore is a local from the Carolinas

Gilmore is from Rock Hill, South Carolina. Gilmore is a two-time All-Pro and a five-time Pro Bowl nominee. The 33-year-old played for the Dallas Cowboys last season after being traded there by the Indianapolis Colts. He hit free agency this offseason.

Gilmore played for the Panthers in the 2021 season. He’s reportedly talking to the Panthers about signing with Carolina for the upcoming season.

Gilmore said earlier this offseason his “goal” was to return to the College for the 2024 season. But we’ll see if the lure of returning home trumps a rebuilding season in Dallas.