Veteran defensive end Jadeveon Clowney visits the Cowboys. He was recently connected to the Baltimore Ravens. The Dallas Cowboys are exploring options to bolster their defensive line following the stunning trade of Micah Parsons.
This search led them to host veteran edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney on Wednesday, though no immediate signing resulted from the meeting. The former first overall pick represents a potential solution to Dallas’s sudden pass rush deficiency, but questions remain about his fit and future with the team.
Clowney’s visit comes at a critical time for the Cowboys, who are reassessing their defensive capabilities after trading Parsons to Green Bay just before the start of the season.
The team’s current edge rushing group consists of Sam Williams, Dante Fowler Jr., Marshawn Kneeland, James Houston, and rookie Donovan Ezeiruaku. While this unit shows potential, it lacks the proven production and veteran presence that Clowney could provide.
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The Visit: What Actually Happened
Jadeveon Clowney arrived at the Cowboys’ facility on Wednesday, September 10th, for a scheduled visit and workout. According to reports, the visit included a physical examination and discussions about a potential role with the team. However, by evening, Clowney had departed without signing a contract.
Senior NFL insider Josina Anderson reported that the plan was always to bring Clowney in for preliminary discussions rather than to secure an immediate signing. The team intended to “keep in contact with Clowney as they monitor their situation at the position moving forward”. This suggests Dallas views Clowney as a potential option rather than an urgent necessity.
Not all observers were optimistic about the prospects of a deal. Clarence Hill Jr. of All City DLLS reported that rumors “from inside the building” indicated the Cowboys are “probably not going to” sign Clowney. This conflicting information creates uncertainty about whether the veteran pass rusher will ultimately join the roster.
Clowney’s Career Journey and Recent Performance
| Season | Team | Games Played | Sacks | Tackles | QB Hits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Panthers | 14 | 5.5 | 46 | 11 |
| 2023 | Ravens | 17 | 9.5 | 43 | 21 |
| 2022 | Browns | 12 | 2.0 | 28 | 8 |
| 2021 | Browns | 14 | 9.0 | 37 | 19 |
| Career | – | 140 | 58 | 409 | 139 |
Jadeveon Clowney’s recent performance statistics
Selected first overall by Houston in the 2014 NFL Draft, Clowney has compiled an impressive, if somewhat inconsistent, resume over his 11-year career.
The South Carolina product has earned three Pro Bowl selections (2016-2018) and recorded 58 career sacks across stops with the Texans, Seahawks, Titans, Browns, Ravens, and Panthers.
At 32 years old, Clowney remains a capable pass rusher despite no longer possessing the elite athleticism that made him a top draft prospect. His most recent season with Carolina saw him record 5.5 sacks, 11 quarterback hits, and nine tackles for loss across 14 games.
Analytics suggest he was more effective than these traditional stats indicate, as he posted a pass-rush win rate of 14.9% that ranked him among the top 20 edge defenders in 2024.
Clowney’s value extends beyond sack numbers. He remains “an underrated run defender,” according to reports, which aligns with Dallas’s increased emphasis on improving its run defense this season.
His ability to “muddy the pocket” and create pressure that benefits other pass rushers could make him particularly valuable to a Cowboys team that needs to generate pressure by committee rather than relying on a single dominant presence.
Why Dallas Might Need Clowney
The Micah Parsons trade created a significant void in Dallas’s pass rush that the current roster might struggle to fill. While the team added defensive tackle Kenny Clark as part of the Packers trade, they lack proven edge rushers beyond Dante Fowler, who is coming off a 10.5-sack season with Washington.
The Cowboys’ Week 1 performance against Philadelphia revealed both promise and concern regarding their pass rush. The defense generated 20 pressures against the Eagles, but a closer examination showed that half were “unblocked or in clean-up” situations rather than wins against blockers.
Perhaps more concerning was that Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts enjoyed an average of 3.67 seconds on his dropbacks—far above the league average and suggesting the Cowboys struggled to generate consistent pressure.
Clowney could provide a veteran presence to a relatively young position group. Aside from Fowler, Dallas’s edge rushers have combined for just 11.5 sacks over the past three seasons.
The 32-year-old Clowney wouldn’t replace Parsons’ production, but he could offer experienced depth and situational pass-rushing ability.
The Financial Considerations
Clowney’s potential signing raises questions about financial fit. The veteran earned $10 million annually on his most recent deal with Carolina but is expected to receive lower offers after what was generally viewed as a disappointing 2024 season.
The market for veteran pass rushers appears to have shifted. According to reports, Clowney could command a contract similar to the fully guaranteed $4.25 million deal that Za’Darius Smith signed with Philadelphia for the 2025 season.
This more modest figure might be more palatable for a Cowboys team that recently traded away its best defensive player, partly due to financial considerations.
Dallas does have a roster spot available following defensive tackle Perrion Winfrey’s injury, removing one potential barrier to signing Clowney. The question remains whether Jerry Jones and the front office view Clowney as worth even a reduced investment at this stage of his career.
Alternative Options for Dallas
The Cowboys have reportedly considered multiple avenues for addressing their pass rush beyond Clowney. According to Sports Illustrated, the team might explore trades with Miami for either Jaelan Phillips or Bradley Chubb, though both players come with significant injury concerns.
The same report noted that Dallas now possesses considerable draft capital—”four No. 1 picks over the next two years”—that could be used to acquire established talent.
However, the article also acknowledged that star edge rushers are likely no longer available at this stage of the offseason, forcing Dallas to consider less ideal options like Clowney.
Rookie Donovan Ezeiruaku showed promise in his preseason debut, while offseason addition Kenny Clark impressed in his first game as a Cowboy. These internal developments might lessen the urgency to add veteran help like Clowney, as the team may prefer to develop younger options.
The Big Picture: Dallas’s Defensive Identity
The Cowboys appear to be transitioning toward a different defensive philosophy following Parsons’ departure. Rather than relying on a single dominant pass rusher, the team seems to be building toward a more balanced approach that emphasizes both pass rush and run defense.
This shift plays to Clowney’s strengths. While his sack numbers have fluctuated throughout his career, his effectiveness against the run has been more consistent. His ability to “set the edge against the run as well as anyone” could make him particularly valuable to a Cowboys team that struggled mightily against the run in 2024.
Clowney’s playing style has been compared to that of DeMarcus Lawrence, who departed in free agency after establishing himself as a strong all-around defensive end. This similarity could make Clowney a natural fit for the role previously occupied by Lawrence, though likely in a more limited capacity.
What Comes Next for Clowney and the Cowboys?
The Cowboys plan to maintain communication with Clowney as they evaluate their needs following the Week 1 performance. This approach aligns with Clowney’s known preference for avoiding training camp while signing closer to the regular season—a pattern he has followed in recent years.
Other teams might still enter the bidding for Clowney’s services. The veteran had been “connected to the Baltimore Ravens for much of the offseason” before visiting Dallas, suggesting other teams remain interested. This leverage could complicate Dallas’s efforts to sign him at a discounted rate.
For now, both parties appear content to assess their options. The Cowboys will likely monitor the development of their young pass rushers while keeping Clowney as a potential fallback option. Clowney will presumably continue evaluating potential fits around the league while maintaining dialogue with Dallas.
Last Words
The Cowboys’ pursuit of Jadeveon Clowney reflects practical team building. Dallas needs pass-rush help after trading Micah Parsons. Clowney needs a team that values his specific skill set. Neither party appears rushed to force a marriage that might not be ideal.
Wednesday’s visit established a foundation for potential future collaboration. The Cowboys gained firsthand information about Clowney’s physical condition and contract expectations. Clowney learned about Dallas’s defensive system and potential role. This knowledge will inform decisions on both sides in the coming days.
The Cowboys know what Clowney offers: veteran experience, run defense, and occasional pressure. Clowney understands what Dallas provides: a competitive environment and a clear need for his services. Whether these factors translate to a contract depends on how both parties value them against other options.
NFL seasons evolve rapidly. Week 1 injuries or performance issues might alter Dallas’s calculus. Other teams might enter the Clowney sweepstakes. For now, the Cowboys and Jadeveon Clowney remain potential partners without being committed ones—a sensible approach for both team and player.
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My name is Krishanu Das the founder of the Sports Dribble.
I am Accountant by profession but a Sports Blogger by passion.
I am passionate about sharing my all knowledge and experiences of sports, with my readers and every sports enthusiast.
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