The Patriots' 2026 roster already looks very different from the group that competed in Super Bowl LX against the Seahawks, yet there are still some more moves to be made to increase their chances of replicating that impressive success.
Among the most dire needs, despite Mike Vrabel's insistence against it, is bolstering the defensive line, specifically on the edge. The depth at the position is already thin, and there are far too many questions about those on the roster to feel completely comfortable with them for the entire upcoming season.
And because of that, the Patriots continue to be linked to a few of the top performers who remain unsigned, especially Jadeveon Clowney.
At this point, it feels like New England is the only one not picking up on the hint to sign the three-time Pro Bowler, as Alex Kay of Bleacher Report is just the latest to connect the free agent to Mike Vrabel's team.
Based on his assessment, the Patriots have no reason not to inquire, even if only to add some veteran insurance to a group they already feel good about.
The Patriots can no longer fight their connection to Jadeveon Clowney ahead of the 2026 season
The apparent need for a proven pass rusher in their defense is certainly a big reason analysts continue to name the Patriots as the ideal team for Clowney to sign with next.
At the same time, his connection to Vrabel, who was the linebackers coach for the Texans the year they drafted the defensive end and eventually became the defensive coordinator, makes it inevitable, too. It's just another reason Clowney makes sense for what the team is looking for.
That's one of the reasons Kay believes they should call the 33-year-old, and it's difficult to continue arguing against it as they prepare for training camp next month.
"While the Pats added a veteran edge this offseason in Dre'Mont Jones, the team also parted ways with key defender K'Lavon Chaisson. The remainder of the pass-rush rotation is a touch thin, with second-round rookie Gabe Jacas, fifth-round sophomore Bradyn Swinson and veteran Harold Landry III all figuring to see significant snaps.
By signing Clowney, New England would get some much-needed depth for this unit while also adding a potential plug-and-play starter if their unproven youngsters can't make a leap."
Although he's far from a building block for the future of their roster, the Patriots could benefit from having a veteran coming off an 8.5-sack season to help lead their young core of pass rushers to the next level.
The likes of Gabe Jacas and Bradyn Swinson have all the tools to become pillars of the defense, but adding more experienced talent around to learn from would elevate their game far quicker, and that makes Clowney all the more desirable.
On top of that, there are still questions about Harold Landry's return from offseason surgery, so Clowney's presence would help fill the void if he has to miss any time at the start of the season.
There are too many signs that bringing Clowney in makes too much sense, and it's nearly impossible for the team to continue ignoring them. Whether it ends up being him that they sign or someone else, it's clear that they still need some pass rush help, and at the very least, the 12-year veteran should be at the top of the list of players to call when the time comes.
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