Analyst Zachary Pereles of CBS Sports commended the New England Patriots for their roster. But it’s March, so there are always going to be roster holes for teams to address.
Although he almost picked receiver, Pereles identified edge rusher as New England’s biggest remaining need. The analyst then called former No. 1 overall pick Jadeveon Clowney the best free agent fit to fill that hole.
“The Patriots‘ big spending in 2025 — coupled with the emergence of Drake Maye and his young supporting cast — means the New England roster is in pretty good shape,” Pereles wrote. “Wide receiver could also be an option here. If the Patriots really want to add some pass-rushing firepower, though, they could find many options.
“Clowney continues to play both the run and the pass at a high level.”
Clowney turned 33 years old in February. But he is still a strong free agency option for teams searching for an edge rusher.
Last season with the Dallas Cowboys, Clowney posted 8.5 sacks with 12 tackles for loss and 10 quarterback hits. He also registered those statistics in just 13 games.
Clowney had four pass defenses and one forced fumble as well.
Over his 12-year career, Clowney has earned about $100.5 million according to Spotrac.
Why the Patriots Could Target Jadeveon Clowney in NFL Free Agency
It’s not really a secret what two areas the Patriots are still trying to upgrade this offseason. Pereles referenced both, as pundits have for weeks — edge rusher and wide receiver.
On the first day of the legal tampering period, New England landed Dre’Mont Jones in free agency. But a lot of analysts simply see Jones as a replacement for fellow veteran K’Lavon Chaisson.
The Patriots didn’t re-sign Chaisson, who inked a new deal with the Washington Commanders.
So, the Patriots haven’t really upgraded their edge rushing room, which was tied for 22nd in the league with 35 sacks last season.
Clowney would offer the Patriots a short-term upgrade.
At 33 years old, he’s not a piece to build around toward the future. But Clowney could provide 5-9 sacks with about 10 tackles for loss and 10 quarterback hits.
The veteran edge rusher has eclipsed eight sacks in two of the past three seasons and three of the last five.
The Houston Texans drafted Clowney at No. 1 overall in the 2014 NFL Draft. He made his only All-Pro team with the Texans in 2016.
From 2016-18, Clowney made three Pro Bowls.
Since 2019, the veteran has been on a whirlwind around the league. He’s played for the Cowboys, Seattle Seahawks, Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens, and Carolina Panthers over the past seven seasons. He only spent a second season with the Browns.
But he’s remained very productive, helping against both the run and pass. Any contender searching for an edge rusher on a one-year deal should inquire about Clowney.
New England’s Other Options for Edge Rushing Upgrade
In his article Monday, Pereles named a free agent fit and rookie draft fit for each team’s biggest need.
Pereles projected Miami edge rusher Akheem Mesidor as his draft fit for New England because Mesidor is ready to contribute immediately.
If the Patriots prefer a longer-term edge rushing solution, they could draft one and not target Clowney.
New England also has other free agent choices, including former Patriots defender Kyle Van Noy.
On March 19, NFL.com’s Matt Okada named Van Noy a potential target for the Patriots to fill their hole at edge rusher. Okada also called Joey Bosa, Cameron Jordan and Haason Reddick potential fits.
Patriots Advised to Pursue $100 Million Defender to Upgrade Weakness