New England Patriots Rumors: Imagine Jadeveon Clowney playing for Belichick

As Jadeveon Clowney continues to hold out in Houston, the more trade speculation surfaces.  What if the star linebacker ended up with the New England Patriots?

The New England Patriots already have a defense projected to be one of the top defenses in the NFL in 2019.  But what if Bill Belichick were to get his hands on star linebacker Jadeveon Clowney?

First, the Houston Texans would be crazy to trade a talent like Clowney to the Patriots even prior to the Nick Casserio (New England Patriots director of player personnel) drama that surrounded the two teams earlier this summer.

Secondly, what could Belichick possibly offer the Texans to even consider such a deal?

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While the latter question hinders all kinds of scenarios (both realistic and crazy), here is what is currently going on with the 26-year-old pass-rushing talent.

Coming off a 2018 season in which he combined for 47 tackles and 9.0 sacks, the talented linebacker continues to hold out for more money as he wants to be paid like a defensive end.  If that grievance is successful, Clowney could earn $17.128 million in 2019 vs. $15.967 million he is set to earn.

While those numbers along doesn’t seem to spark reason for a hold out, it is the overall dollars that could be earned on a long-term deal Clowney is searching for, which at this point could make any deal with any team complicated, unless just a one-year rental.

That doesn’t mean a potential trade is unlikely.

According to John McClain of the Houston Chronicle, it is highly possible the Texans trade Clowney before the 2019 NFL season begins:

There are not many names out there at left tackle besides Washington Redskins All-Pro tackle Trent Williams.  So, unless the Texans are able to find some team willing to part ways with a reliable left tackle, a package of draft picks would be the best compensation for such a deal, unless Houston puts any hard feelings aside and deal with the New England Patriots.

This is where the Nick Casserio connection could come in to play.  Would Casserio be willing to help out both teams by working out a deal with the team he is rumored to be going to?

We all know Belichick is not shy when it comes to making shocking deals.  If he loves the talent and versatility Clowney could bring to the defense, will he be willing to part ways with a high 2020 draft pick along with actual players such as a Marcus Cannon and/or Dont’a Hightower?

If it comes down to making the money work, Belichick absolutely would trade a player fans would deem untouchable.

The Patriots are also deep at cornerback, so there are a few packages that could be put together to entice Bill O’Brien to work out a deal with his old team.  With the defending Super Bowl threats always the obstacle to overcome in the conference, such a deal would be AFC suicide for the Texans.  But, then again, if Jadeveon Clowney ends up being a one-year rental, they would be helping themselves in the long run.

In summary, Clowney would absolutely be lethal playing under Bill Belichick even with his injury history.  His versatile as a pass rusher and athleticism to drop back in coverage would make the New England Patriots front seven just as solid as their secondary.  Both groups would complement one another quite nicely.

It is a known fact that Belichick loves him some Lawrence Taylor.  Well, Jadeveon Clowney is as close to that type of talent as he’ll get.