INTERESTING NEWS: NFL free agency: Why Jadeveon Clowney could be game-changer for Patriots or Commanders…….see more……..There is still gas in the tank for NFL free agent Jadeveon Clowney and, while his gauge no longer hits high octane, the veteran defensive end remains productive in the twilight of his career. The next team which signs the former No. 1 overall pick gets a situational pass rusher coming off 46 tackles and a team-best 5.5 sacks last season with the Carolina Panthers, who released him to clear cap space.
The New England Patriots and Washington Commanders are two teams which stick out as potential landing spots, one strengthened by prior relationships with Clowney. Patriots coach Mike Vrabel was Clowney’s position coach with the Houston Texans as a rookie in 2014, and later signed him in Tennessee after he took the Titans job.
New England has six edge guys on its roster — Harold Landry, K’Lavon Chaisson, Truman Jones, Eljiah Ponder, Anfernee Jennings and new draft pick Bradyn Swinson.
Patriots defensive coordinator Terrell Williams coached Clowney as Tennessee’s defensive line assistant in 2020 before his season was cut short after eight games due to a meniscus injury.
“I think I played well for Carolina [last] year, considering the circumstances that … unfolded for me,” Clowney said after his release from the Panthers. “I played with a bunch of guys that was hurt this past year. And I ended up playing extremely well for them. So it is what it is. I can play the game. I can play football. There are 31 other teams. I just hope another team gives me that opportunity so I can prove myself again. I feel like I can do that.”
The Commanders are one of several teams in need of edge rush help, and surprisingly, failed to pick up one in the NFL Draft. After losing Dante Fowler Jr. in free agency after his 10.5-sack season in 2024, that’s a major hole to fill for Washington in its quest to return to the NFC Championship — and beyond.