The New England Patriots have reason to explore trading for Houston Texans star veteran edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney before the November 10 trade deadline.
Bringing in an experienced pass rusher would provide New England with a significant boost for its defense and establish the unit as an even more formidable front in the league.
Patriots edge rusher Elijah Ponder has played great this season, with a whopping six sacks, 11 quarterback hits, seven tackles for loss and a forced fumble while filling in for Harold Landry. Rookie Gabe Jacas has delivered so far this year, but Dre’Mont Jones—one of the team’s top offseason additions—has been quiet to begin the season with only a sack and four quarterback hits to show for it.
The situation becomes even
more pressing with Landry remaining on the reserve/physically unable to perform list. He has yet to play this season, and his absence leaves a significant hole in the team’s pass rush, as he led New England in sacks last season with 8.5, thus calling for the Patriots to make an aggressive move by the deadline.
Clowney offers an intriguing solution. Though he has recorded just 1.5 sacks and four quarterback hits across five games played this season, he has demonstrated the ability to produce at a high level throughout his career, including four seasons with at least nine sacks and 8.5 sacks last season.
His experience, physicality and pass-rushing ability make him exactly what New England needs to wage a Super Bowl run this season.
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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Why Patriots should trade for forgotten former All-Pro edge rusher
