Why Jadeveon Clowney isn’t likely to join the Patriots, even after opt-outs

For the first time in the 2020 league year, Bill Belichick has spending money.

For the first time in the 2020 league year, Bill Belichick has spending money.

Surely, he wishes he didn’t get the salary cap space in this way. The New England Patriots opened up roughly $24 million in cash after seeing six of the players opt out of the season due to concerns about the novel coronavirus. Linebacker Dont’a Hightower, safety Patrick Chung, tackle Marcus Cannon and fullback Dan Vitale are among those electing not to play. But there’s a silver lining — Belichick can sign high-budget free agents, if he wants any of those still on the market. And there are a few exceptional ones, most notably edge Jadeveon Clowney.

But former Patriots staffer and current columnist for The Athletic Michael Lombardi is here to tell you New England won’t pursue the Pro Bowler.

“Clowney’s not a fit for New England whatsoever. He just doesn’t fit there,” Lombardi said on “The Pat McAfee Show.” “The way he rushes the passer. He doesn’t practice on Wednesday. He doesn’t practice on Thursday. Maybe he can practice on Friday based on his injuries and with his knee. There’s no chance he has anyway of playing for New England. It’s a complete no fit.”

It’s a harsh reality. But that’s the way it goes with the Patriots.

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