https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwmfbwsDZYM
After grabbing Danny Shelton and Jason McCourty from the Browns, the Patriots added another solid and needed piece to their defense in Adrian Clayborn, a defensive end who should solidify an edge of their defense. As I wrote on Friday, the team needed another defensive end, a spot they struggled with last season after losing three veterans from the Super Bowl 51-winning team.
Patriots reached agreement with former Falcons’ DE Adrian Clayborn, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 16, 2018
The Patriots gave Clayborn a two-year, $12 million deal, which is par for the course with them, similar to what the gave Jabaal Sheard a couple seasons ago. Clayborn will be 30 this summer, so he’s not a long-term answer but will give them instant toughness that they lacked in 2017, resulting in in-season moves like adding James Harrison late in the year.
I know everyone will get caught up in the sacks of it all, it’s just what us fans do, especially now that we’re being inundated with Clayborn’s six-sack performance against the Cowboys. We want production, but I’m less concerned with how many sacks Clayborn will give us and more about the strength and ability to win in the trenches.
That’s what the Patriots defense requires, especially from the hand-down defensive ends and that’s what Clayborn can give them. I’m sure he’ll drop a little in coverage, but his job will be to set the edge and dominate his blocker, not just getting to the quarterback. Simply put, Clayborn fits what they do, and should fit in really well.
Everyone was so agitated with the Patriots’ start to the new season, but these moves over the last couple days are so them. Wait for the high-end players to make their deals, then snap up the middle-class guys who bring value. I find this way exciting because these are still good players with something to prove. It’s not (usually) flashy, but it’s devastatingly effective in constructing consistent football teams that can overcome inevitable injuries.
Clayborn is just the kind of player I wanted to bring in. It’s still early, but right now it’s already a solid trio of Trey Flowers, Dietrich Wise, and Clayborn as the primarily hand-down edge players. I’d still love to add a linebacker but right now the 2018 Patriots defense is already light years different from the one that got lit up by the Eagles last month.