The New England Patriots had an active offseason, and with A.J. Brown potentially available via trade after June 1, it appears they'll continue that activity into the summer. The Patriots have solved some of their glaring issues this offseason, including the offensive line and upgrading the tight end group behind Hunter Henry.
One issue that topped their defensive needs, however, was bolstering the pass rush. The team lost K'Lavon Chaisson and his 10.5 total sacks in free agency. Furthermore, they released Anfernee Jennings, who played a larger role with Harold Landry out toward the end of the season and playoffs. In the postseason, Jennings had two sacks and a 15.1-percent pressure rate.
The team inked Dre'Mont Jones in free agency and traded up to select Illinois edge defender Gabe Jacas in the second round. While it appears their pressure off the edge will be better in 2026, they should continue to upgrade if possible.
While major activity in free agency has dried up, there are still several veterans available who are more than capable of making an impact in a rotational role. I mentioned D.J. Reader as a top option to fill the void left by Khyiris Tonga, but Pro Football Focus recently highlighted another front-seven player who could make an impact on New England's pass rush: Jadeveon Clowney.
Jadeveon Clowney checks every box the Patriots still need on defense
While New England has made a pair of notable additions to the edge this offseason, it shouldn't stop them from continuing to look for additional options. Landry, Jones, and Jacas will be the team's top three options, while 2025 UDFA Elijah Ponder registered four sacks in a depth role last season. Jesse Luketa, Bradyn Swinson, and seventh-round pick Quintayvious Hutchins are also on the roster.
While the unit has potential, adding a veteran isn't something to shy away from. Clowney was the No. 1 pick in 2014 after an impressive career at South Carolina. In 12 seasons, he's played for seven teams, racking up 450 tackles and 66.5 sacks. He never reached the heights he was expected to as a pass rusher, never notching 10-plus sacks in a season. He did make three Pro Bowls, though, and was a Second-Team All-Pro in 2016.
Last season, Clowney had 8.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries for the Cowboys in just 13 games. In a season when the team didn't have Micah Parsons and was looking for pass rush support, he provided it. He recorded 40 pressures last season and ranked 10th among edge defenders in pass-rush win rate at 16.7 percent, per PFF.
For a Patriots team with questions surrounding the pass rush, Clowney could offer support. Furthermore, he's never had a below-average PFF run defense grade in his career. For a team that ranked sixth in rush yards allowed per game, keeping a run-stopping identity will no doubt be important.
Clowney signed a two-year deal worth up to $24 million with the Panthers in 2024 after a 9.5-sack season with the Ravens. Now two years older, a multi-year deal seems unlikely, but perhaps a deal in the range of $8 million with incentives up to $10 million would work for 2026?
Vrabel will have his opinions of Clowney, as he played eight games for the Titans in 2022 without recording a sack. If Vrabel thinks he can be a positive influence on New England's young front seven and a disruptive pass rusher, Clowney would be a welcomed addition to the defending AFC champions.
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