Why Jadeveon Clowney Should Be a Priority Re-Signing for the Cowboys This Offseason
The Dallas Cowboys have once again fielded a top-five scoring offense, but that firepower hasn’t been enough to keep their season alive. With the team officially out of playoff contention, the spotlight shifts to the defense-and more specifically, to the one bright spot that’s quietly held things together: Jadeveon Clowney.
Yes, the Cowboys’ defense has had its struggles. Matt Eberflus’ first year as defensive coordinator hasn’t gone as planned, and it’s becoming increasingly likely he won’t return in that role. But amid the turbulence, Clowney has emerged as not just a stabilizing force, but arguably the team’s most consistent and impactful defensive player.
Clowney’s Impact Is More Than Just Stats
When Clowney missed the Week 14 matchup against Detroit, the void was glaring. The Lions scored on eight of their 12 possessions, and the Cowboys’ pass rush looked toothless without him. That absence only highlighted what Clowney has brought all season-steady pressure, edge-setting in the run game, and leadership that doesn’t show up in the box score but makes a difference in the locker room.
Even at 32, Clowney isn’t just hanging on-he’s thriving. He leads all Cowboys edge rushers with 4.5 sacks and boasts an 18.1% pass-rush win rate, second on the team behind only Quinnen Williams.
For context, that’s elite territory. And he’s doing it all on a one-year, $3.5 million deal signed in mid-September.
That’s value any front office dreams of.
According to Pro Football Focus, Clowney ranks 12th among edge defenders with a 77.5 pass-rush grade and holds a respectable 67.1 grade against the run. While PFF grades aren’t gospel, they back up what the film shows: Clowney is winning his matchups and making life difficult for opposing offenses.
“I Ain’t Never Quit Nothing”
When asked how he stays motivated despite the Cowboys being out of the playoff race, Clowney’s answer was vintage Clowney-raw, real, and revealing.
“What you mean motivated? They’re paying me.
That’s enough motivation for me. I like money.
Not just that. I represent more than just the team.
I’m playing for more than myself, my family supporting me. I’m playing for everybody that’s been with me from the beginning.
And I ain’t never quit nothing. Ain’t gonna be hard for me to get up and play in no game.
Do my job.”
That’s the kind of mindset you want from a veteran in your locker room-especially heading into a transitional offseason. After a disappointing year, the Cowboys will need leaders who show up, do the work, and hold others accountable. Clowney fits that bill.
Looking Ahead: The Cowboys’ EDGE Depth Is Thin
The future of the Cowboys’ edge rusher group is murky. With Marshawn Kneeland’s tragic passing, the team is left with just two edge defenders-Donovan Ezeiruaku and James Houston-under contract for next season. And while Ezeiruaku has shown promise as a two-way player, he’s still developing the consistency needed to be a reliable pass rusher week in and week out.
Meanwhile, Clowney, along with Sam Williams, Dante Fowler, and Payton Turner, are all set to hit free agency. That leaves Dallas with some big decisions to make-and not much depth to fall back on.
Why Clowney Should Be a Priority
Re-signing Clowney shouldn’t be a tough call. He’s been the team’s most productive and reliable edge rusher this season.
He’s a veteran presence who leads by example. And he’s proven he can still produce at a high level, even as he enters his mid-30s.
No, he’s not the Pro Bowl version of himself from earlier in his career. But he doesn’t need to be. What Clowney brings now-a mix of toughness, leadership, and efficient pass-rushing-is exactly what this Cowboys defense needs as it looks to regroup and reset for 2026.
For a team that’s trying to find its identity on defense, keeping Jadeveon Clowney in the building would be a smart first step.