GS. JERRY JONES’ BLOCKBUSTER MOVE: Cowboys Nation Stunned As Team Slashes Former Starter For Prescription Winfrey’s ROARING Comeback From The Abyss.

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the NFL landscape and left Cowboys fans reeling, Dallas owner Jerry Jones has orchestrated what can only be described as a blockbuster roster shakeup. On a seemingly ordinary Tuesday afternoon in November 2025, the Dallas Cowboys announced the release of former starting linebacker Damone Clark, paving the way for the triumphant return of defensive lineman Perrion Winfrey from injured reserve (IR). This bold decision not only underscores Jones’ relentless pursuit of defensive dominance but also highlights the cutthroat nature of professional football, where loyalty takes a backseat to potential and performance.

The Cowboys, fresh off their most commanding victory of the 2025 season—a Monday Night Football thrashing of the Las Vegas Raiders—are riding a wave of momentum. Their defense, which had shown flashes of brilliance earlier in the year, erupted in Week 11, stifling the Raiders’ offense and forcing turnovers that turned the game into a rout. Yet, even as the team celebrates this high point, Jones and the front office wasted no time in tweaking the roster to inject fresh energy into an already formidable unit.

The Shocking Release: Farewell to Damone Clark

Damone Clark’s departure comes as a stunning blow to many in Cowboys Nation. The 25-year-old linebacker, drafted by Dallas in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of LSU, had been a fixture in the team’s defense for four seasons. In 2023, Clark started all 17 games, showcasing his athleticism and instincts with 109 tackles, four pass deflections, and a forced fumble. His contributions helped solidify the Cowboys’ linebacker corps during a playoff push that year.

This season, however, Clark’s role diminished amid a crowded depth chart and the emergence of younger talents. He started just two games, appearing in a rotational capacity while battling minor injuries and inconsistent play. Despite his history with the team—amassing 26 starts overall—Clark’s release was deemed necessary to activate Winfrey, whose practice window had been open since late October.

“Damone has been a warrior for us,” said Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy in a post-move press conference. “He’s given everything to this organization, and we wish him the best. But football is about making tough choices, and right now, we’re building something special on defense.” Clark, now a free agent, is expected to draw interest from teams needing linebacker depth, but his exit leaves a void in Dallas’ locker room, where he was known for his leadership and work ethic.

Perrion Winfrey’s Roaring Comeback: From the Abyss to the Spotlight

If Clark’s release is the gut punch, then Perrion Winfrey’s activation is the adrenaline shot Cowboys fans have been craving. The 25-year-old defensive tackle, a former fourth-round pick by the Cleveland Browns in 2022, has endured a tumultuous journey that reads like a Hollywood script. After a rocky start in the NFL—including off-field issues that led to his release from Cleveland and a brief, unremarkable stint with the New York Jets—Winfrey found himself in professional limbo.

Enter the United Football League (UFL), where Winfrey revived his career in spectacular fashion during the 2025 season with the Birmingham Stallions. In just 10 games, he racked up 29 total tackles, nine tackles for loss, four pass breakups, a forced fumble, and a sack—earning All-UFL honors and catching the eye of NFL scouts. His explosive playstyle, combining raw power with quick bursts off the line, made him a dominant force in the trenches.

Signed by the Cowboys in the offseason, Winfrey turned heads during preseason action, becoming an instant fan favorite with his relentless motor and charismatic personality. Tragically, a back injury in late August sidelined him, landing him on IR and delaying his regular-season debut. But after months of rehabilitation and a successful 21-day practice window, Winfrey is back—and ready to unleash havoc.

“Perrion’s story is one of redemption,” Jerry Jones remarked during a radio appearance. “He’s climbed out of the abyss, proven himself in the UFL, and now he’s got a chance to shine on the biggest stage. This move isn’t just about today; it’s about building a defense that terrifies opponents.”

Bolstering a Terrifying Defensive Line

Winfrey’s addition couldn’t come at a better time for Dallas’ defensive tackle room, which is already stacked with elite talent. Joining forces with Quinnen Williams (acquired in a blockbuster trade earlier in the year), Kenny Clark, Osa Odighizuwa, and Solomon Thomas, Winfrey adds another layer of depth and versatility. This group, under the guidance of defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, has the potential to be one of the most dominant interior lines in NFL history.

Imagine the nightmares for opposing quarterbacks: Williams’ bull rush, Clark’s gap-plugging prowess, Odighizuwa’s quickness, Thomas’ veteran savvy, and now Winfrey’s explosive energy. In their Week 11 dismantling of the Raiders, the Cowboys’ defense recorded five sacks and held Las Vegas to under 100 rushing yards—a performance that Winfrey watched from the sidelines but is eager to contribute to.

“Man, I’m hungry,” Winfrey posted on X (formerly Twitter) shortly after the announcement. “Cowboys Nation, let’s eat! #FromTheAbyss #DC4L”

Fan Reactions and What’s Next

Cowboys Nation is buzzing with a mix of emotions. Social media erupted with stunned reactions to Clark’s release—”Can’t believe we cut Damone, he was our guy!” tweeted one fan—while others hailed Winfrey’s return as a game-changer: “Perrion is the spark we need! Jerry knows ball.” The move has sparked debates on sports talk shows, with analysts praising Jones’ aggressiveness but questioning the timing amid a hot streak.

Looking ahead, Winfrey is expected to make his regular-season debut in Week 12 against the New York Giants, a rivalry matchup that could see him lining up against familiar faces from his Jets days. For the Cowboys, currently sitting atop the NFC East with an 8-3 record, this roster tweak signals their all-in mentality for a Super Bowl run.

Jerry Jones has never shied away from bold moves, and this one is no exception. As Perrion Winfrey roars back from the abyss, the Dallas Cowboys are positioning themselves as predators in a league full of prey. Buckle up, NFL—America’s Team is just getting started.