The New England Patriots made it a lot farther than expected last season, winning the AFC title and falling short in the Super Bowl. In an attempt to get back this year, they’ve added offensive firepower in free agency (Romeo Doubs), through trades (AJ Brown), and in the draft (Caleb Lomu). Josh McDaniels and quarterback Drake Maye are no doubt excited for the additions, but there’s still a glaring hole on the team.
The Patriots seemed to excel at every aspect of the game in 2025 except the pass rush. Harold Landry led the team with eight sacks, and he’s returning, but K’Lavon Chaisson (7.5 sacks) signed with the Washington Commanders. The team signed Dre’Mont Jones from the Baltimore Ravens, and while he had seven sacks last season, opposing teams aren’t going to be intimidated by New England’s pass rush.
In the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft (55th overall), the Patriots selected Illinois edge rusher Gabe Jacas, who had 11 sacks in 12 games last season. The issue, though, is that he hasn’t signed his rookie contract yet. He wants it to be fully guaranteed, and New England is hesitant to make that commitment given that Jacas did not disclose an injury that he is currently recovering from.
The New England Patriots Have A Great Option
Jadeveon Clowney is still sitting in free agency, unsigned, unwanted, but most importantly, undervalued. He may not be the same player who burst into living rooms while blowing up a play in Michigan’s backfield during the Outback Bowl, but he is still incredibly effective. The former Gamecock played last season for the Dallas Cowboys for peanuts ($3.45 million). It’s possible he’d play for less this season.
His domination against the pass in 2025 may not be easy to recognize because he only played in 13 games and only 373 snaps in those games. A deep dive into the numbers reveals that his 8.5 sacks on the year are that much more impressive given his limited time on the field. Clowney averaged a sack every 43.9 snaps in 2025. How good is that? It’s better than nine of the 10 top pass rushers from a year ago (nobody is better than Myles Garrett).
Brian Burns, a player every Patriots fan would love to have on the team, averaged a sack every 52.2 snaps for the New York Giants last year. Aidan Hutchinson averaged a sack every 69.3 snaps, Micah Parsons every 56.6, and Byron Young every 71.2. Durability could be a concern at 33 years old, but the upside is too good to pass up.
Clowney has seen a decrease in games played over the past three seasons, but his production per play has gone up. Even when compared to arguably his best season, Clowney was more efficient in 2025. He recorded 27 hurries and nine sacks in his final season with the Houston Texans back in 2018, but he played over 900 snaps. That’s a sack every 100 snaps. He was twice as good last year.
Maybe the Patriots are done making moves, or maybe they feel Jacas will be a game-changer once he’s on the field, but why risk it? Clowney is available and could likely be had by a contender for less than $4 million on a one-year deal. The Patriots have $34.7 million in cap space, so what are they waiting for?
