New England Patriots

This is the move everybody who isn’t a New England Patriots fan would hate to see happen. It might not seem like Bill Belichick’s style to make a trade for a Pro Bowl defensive lineman, but Clowney in their hybrid front would be devastating. The Patriots aren’t desperate for defensive line help even though they let Trey Flowers walk in free agency. They already traded for Michael Bennett this past offseason and drafted Chase Winovich in the third-round. Even though it’s not a massive need, Clowney’s versatility and freaky athleticism can put this front seven over the top.

Obviously, the Patriots are in win-now mode and always will be until Tom Brady retires. With that in mind, would it be so shocking to see them make a move for a one-year rental of a Pro Bowl player at an immensely important position? It would be a bit out of nowhere, but it’s too strong schematically not to be considered. Imagine the versatility of a defensive line featuring Clowney, Bennett, Winovich, Deatrich Wise Jr., Lawrence Guy, Danny Shelton, and Adam Butler. Adding Clowney gives the Patriots the ability to play either him or Bennett on the inside on passing downs while having Winovich and Wise Jr. give them strong depth. That’s an impressive group.

If the Patriots were to make the move with the Texans for one year of Clowney, it would need to be a relatively smart deal for them. Giving up a pick higher than the third-round doesn’t seem like a Belichick move, but pairing a pick with a player could work. What if they moved former third-round pick Derek Rivers along with a third-round pick or tossed in former Texans starter John Simon with the pick? Something here is possible and scary for the rest of the NFL.