Jadeveon Clowney may be 32, but he’s not done making noise off the edge-and several playoff-caliber teams are likely to come calling this offseason. After a bounce-back year in Dallas, the former No. 1 overall pick is poised to hit the free agent market with some real momentum, and teams like the Bengals, Cowboys, Seahawks, and 49ers are all worth watching as potential landing spots.
Let’s start with what Clowney just did in 2025. In 13 games (six starts) with the Cowboys, he racked up 8.5 sacks and 40 quarterback pressures-numbers that speak for themselves.
He wasn’t just a rotational piece; he was a disruptive force whenever he was on the field. Whether it was collapsing the pocket or setting the edge in the run game, Clowney looked like a guy who still has plenty left in the tank.
Dallas would be smart to try and keep him around, especially with their defense built around speed and pressure. But if Clowney walks, he's not going to be on the market long. Contending teams with pass rush needs are going to line up.
Cincinnati is an intriguing fit. The Bengals could be facing a major hole on the edge if Trey Hendrickson departs, and Clowney would be a plug-and-play replacement.
He wouldn’t need to be the alpha dog-just a reliable, disruptive presence opposite a younger pass rusher. And considering how much pressure the Bengals’ defense thrives on generating up front, Clowney’s ability to both rush the passer and hold up against the run would be a major asset.
Then there’s San Francisco. The 49ers’ defense is already stacked with talent, but the pass rush took a major step back in 2025, finishing dead last in sacks.
With Nick Bosa expected to return from a torn ACL, adding Clowney to the mix could give the Niners one of the most physically imposing edge duos in the league. Bosa’s explosiveness and Clowney’s power would make life miserable for opposing quarterbacks-and help San Francisco reclaim its identity as a defense that wins at the line of scrimmage.
And don’t sleep on a possible reunion in Seattle. The Seahawks are projected to have nearly $75 million in cap space and are coming off a season where they looked like a team on the cusp of something big.
Adding Clowney to a defense that already has young pieces in place could be the kind of veteran move that pushes them over the top. He knows the system, he knows the city, and he brings the kind of edge presence that championship teams need in January.
Bottom line: Clowney’s not just chasing one last payday-he’s still producing, still commanding attention, and still capable of swinging games. Whether it’s in Cincinnati, San Francisco, Seattle, or back in Dallas, expect him to land somewhere where the lights are bright and the stakes are high.