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Patriots Linked to Pair of Free-Agent Pro Bowl Edge Rushers

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matthew Sullivan | Last updated May 17, 2025 3:30 PM ET

The New England Patriots have made a plethora of additions on both sides of the ball. However, even after one of the best draft classes, the Patriots could still add help along the defensive line.

Phil Perry of NBC Sports Boston named two edge rushers the Patriots could consider signing in free agency after the 2025 NFL Draft. Perry named former Detroit Lions edge rusher Za'Darius Smith and Carolina Panthers edge defender Jadeveon Clowney as the Patriots' best options at edge rusher.

For the Patriots, adding an edge rusher isn't the largest priority, but as seen from the Philadelphia Eagles and top defenses around the NFL, having high-quality pass rushers off the edge is a major need.

The Patriots have a solid rotational group at edge rusher, with Harold Landry III, Anfernee Jennings, Keion White, K'Lavon Chaisson, and Bradyn Swinson off the edge. But the Patriots could still add a run-stopper and pass-rusher to that group.

With Swinson, Landry, Jennings, and Chaisson all being on the lighter side for an edge rusher, Clowney could be a huge boost in the run game. Perry writes, "...if they want some run-stuffing help, they could go for recently-released Jadeveon Clowney, who was a Mike Vrabel pupil during their shared time in Houston."

During his career, Clowney has 108 tackles for loss and 58 sacks. He would bring 11 years of NFL experience, and would still be a force in his age-32 season. Clowney would help the run defense, while also generating solid pass-rush upside if the Patriots brought him in.

Meanwhile, if the Patriots prioritize pass-rush juice, they could add Za'Darius Smith to the mix. In his 10-year NFL career, Smith has 85 tackles for loss and 69 sacks.

In 2024, he split time between the Cleveland Browns and the Lions, and accumulated 9 total sacks and 9 tackles for loss. Smith is a free agent, and with the Lions and other teams around the NFL expected to pursue him, the Patriots would be competing for his services.

Regardless of whether they go with Smith or Clowney, edge rusher is a position to watch out for as the regular season approaches. Perry linked both edge rushers to the Patriots, and both former multi-time Pro-Bowlers would be great additions to the Patriots' defensive front.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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