The New England Patriots have plenty of positions to address during free agency: edge, wide receiver, offensive line, linebacker, tight end.
It’s not going to be easy to check all of those boxes, though...
If the club intends on putting itself in a position to regularly contend, it will have to put together another near-flawless offseason -- which might eventually mean scraping together some money to sign former Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jadeveon Clowney.
Let's take a look!
Bio:
Jadeveon Clowney
Position: EDGE
Height: 6’ 5"
Weight: 266lbs
2026 Age: 33 (Feb. 14, 1993)
2025: 13 G, 8.5 SACKS, 10 QB HITS, 12 TFL
The Patriots should sign Jadeveon Clowney because:
It's a proven formula...
Clowney, the former No. 1 overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, has started quite the little tradition of signing short-term deals with teams who allow him to come in and exclusively try to kill quarterbacks -- which has earned him more than $100 million across one-year stints with the Baltimore Ravens, Seattle Seahawks, Carolina Panthers, and Tennessee Titans.
Mike Vrabel, Terrell Williams, Zak Kuhr, Scott Booker, Justin Hamilton, and Clint McMillan, who make up nearly the entire defensive staff in New England, worked with him during that stint in Tennessee --and might want an opportunity to avenge what was an unfortunate partnership. Clowney has never been one to secure double-digit sacks, but he does have seasons of 8.5, 9.5, and 9.0 sacks since his lone sackless season with this coaching staff in 2020.
I don't know if it was a coincidence or not, but why not look to repair the relationship?
There's Jadeveon Clowney again 😤
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The Patriots should not sign Jadeveon Clowney because:
If you do, it means you failed in the pursuit of other difference-makers...
The Patriots simply need more out of whoever they add to this position group, so while it's fun to think about bringing in a mercenary, the only way it would make sense is if they have some extra funds toward the end of training camp and want to really push the pass-rush over the top.
Best Fits:
1. Dallas Cowboys
2. Philadelphia Eagles
3. Cincinnati Bengals
I don't think it makes sense, but wouldn't it be fun?
More NFL: Patriots Offseason Preview: Everything Team Must Address In 2026