Patriots: why signing Jadeveon Clowney won’t solve team’s issues
The Patriots need much more than Jadeveon Clowney to solve their problems at the moment.
After a number of players, including Dont’a Hightower and Marcus Cannon, opted out for the 2020 season due to concerns regarding COVID-19, the New England Patriots are flush with cash, nearing $25 million in salary cap space.
Since that news has rocked Pats Nation, many fans are advocating for the team to sign Jadeveon Clowney in free agency to help replace the losses and add another feared presence to the defense.
But is that what the team needs right now?
Despite the morning's events, the Patriots have not reached out to Jadeveon Clowney, according to a source. It has been a pretty chaotic morning, though, so maybe that'll change at some point.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) July 28, 2020
In short, yes, they could use Clowney, but the team is already facing a ton of needs elsewhere. Clowney won’t solve their issues, especially since the team is probably most taken care of at the outside linebacker position with Chase Winovich, John Simon, Brandon Copeland, Josh Uche and Anfernee Simmons. Another playmaker there would be nice, but it’s not needed.
New England has to use this money wisely and replenish the offensive line and inside linebacker positions before anything else. Also, would Clowney even be inclined to sign with the Patriots with all of these guys opting out? Patrick Chung just joined that group, which is a big blow for the secondary (though that’ll give Kyle Duggar a shot).
Jadeveon Clowney? Devonta Freeman?
— Mark Daniels (@ByMarkDaniels) July 28, 2020
The Patriots have four roster spots open and more cap space. Here are some free agents who could help after the five player opt outs: https://t.co/CdtQq1kcVn
The Patriots are also facing a colossal issue they cannot fix: continuity. On top of the excessive roster turnover in the offseason, the team is now seeing all of these guys opt out and it’ll be up to backups, rookies and newly-signed free agents to create a new identity as the team looks to bounce back in 2020.
Don’t get us wrong, Clowney would be a big get for the Pats at this juncture, but he can only contribute so much, as we saw last year with his stint in Seattle. There’s plenty of other heavy lifting and soul searching this team has to do in the next six weeks.
Next. McCourty Bros Opting Out Next?. dark