How New England Patriots Could Pull Off A Miracle And Sign Jadeveon Clowney

What happens when Jadeveon Clowney is still available on the open market in July? Do you call the Patriots? NFL teams will soon enter training camp, and maybe Clowney has a chance to become a Patriot.

The three-time Pro Bowler made some really silly demands. He was trying to reset the market for pass rushers, but many thought that he would find a home this offseason. Clowney’s value plummets, and he is still waiting for the right contract.

Where is he going next? New England? Several teams have shown interest in his skillset. Is there any chance for you to see Clowney wearing a Patriots uniform?

Jadeveon Clowney to the Pats?

Head coach Bill Belichick and his buddies are able to exploit the loopholes of the league’s rulebook. The Patriots signed quarterback Cam Newton to a one-year deal worth $7.5 million. It’s an incentive-laden deal and Newton has just $550,000 guaranteed. But, he didn’t come for the money. It’s all about respect.

Let’s not forget that the Patriots got close to $7 million in cap space after receiving compensation grievances of Anthonio Brown and Aaron Hernandez.

How will the Patriots use the money to get Clowney in Foxboro? The team may give him a thick signing bonus that doesn’t count against the cap. Signing bonuses are usually paid out in the first 12-18 months of the deal. The bonuses are “prorated” against the space cap for the extent of the contract. That’s how the Detroit Lions and Seattle Seahawks manage to get big deals for Matthew Stafford and Russell Wilson. The Patriots won’t give Clowney more than a one-year deal, and this may add additional burden to the situation.

Maybe New England will follow the same approach they used to sign Newton. The former Carolina Panthers quarterback signed a one-year deal with a $550,000 bonus. The deal counts for $1.13 million hit against the salary cap.

Will the team rely on roster cuts and trades to get Clowney? They will have to try really hard to make room for him. Will he join the Patriots for pennies on the dollar?