Adrian Clayborn rumors: 5 best fits in NFL free agency

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ATLANTA, GA – NOVEMBER 12: Adrian Clayborn No. 99 of the Atlanta Falcons celebrates a sack during the second half against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 12, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

47. . AFC. East. New England Patriots. 3. player

Would Clayborn even think about joining up with the Evil Empire that is the New England Patriots? You do realize that the Patriots are the team that beat Clayborn’s 28-3 2016 Atlanta Falcons that prevented him from winning his first Lombardi Trophy?

Technically, Clayborn didn’t play in that game, as he got injured down the stretch for the eventual 2016 NFC Champion Falcons. That being said, New England does need help getting after the quarterback and Clayborn could certainly provide that.

New England may have had 42 quarterback sacks in 2017, but the Patriots’ best pass rusher down the stretch essentially rode pine for the AFC rival Pittsburgh Steelers in the form of James Harrison. Clayborn is obviously younger than the former Steelers great. But will he be a schematic fit with the Patriots? That all really depends on if head coach Bill Belichick thinks he can use him.

Belichick tends to look for undervalued players from other teams and perfectly integrates them into the system. However, cultivating pass-rushing talent is easier said than done. Just look at the Patriots getting Harrison last year and Chris Long the year prior. New England will have $17,342,603 to work with this offseason in available cap space. For a discount, the Patriots could be in the market for Clayborn. New England does offer perhaps Clayborn’s best chance to win a Super Bowl should he leave Atlanta.

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