“BREAKING: Cowboys’ Star Free Agent Could Be Staying — Sources Say ‘Not Allowed To Leave’”.1805
The Dallas Cowboys made one of the most head-scratching trades in franchise history this season by sending Micah Parsons—their generational defensive talent—to the Green Bay Packers. In response, they quickly signed veteran edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney as a stopgap. While no one expected Clowney to fully replace Parsons, the 32-year-old has quietly delivered a solid, reliable season for a struggling defense.
As the 2025 regular season winds down, Stephen Jones, the Cowboys’ executive vice president, spoke on 105.3 The Fan about Clowney’s impending free agency:
“We’ll be talking with his guys right away… With his willingness to want to be here and us wanting him to be here, hopefully we can figure something out.”
Jones added that the Cowboys “would love” to have Clowney back in 2026, signaling a clear intent to retain the veteran pass rusher.
Clowney’s Quietly Strong Season
Clowney was never brought in to be the team’s top pass rusher—he was signed to be a reliable veteran and rotational piece. But in 12 games through Week 17, he has outperformed expectations and led the defensive line in several key categories:
Sacks: Tied for 1stTackles for loss: 1stPass deflections: 1stFumble recoveries: Tied for 1stTotal tackles: 3rd
These numbers aren’t eye-popping in a vacuum, especially on a defense that’s struggled under coordinator Matt Eberflus. But Clowney has proven he can still be an effective situational pass rusher and run defender. His veteran presence has provided stability in a unit that desperately needs it.
Why Dallas Should Bring Him Back
Low-risk, high-reward veteran: Clowney has shown he still has gas in the tank. At 32, he’s not a long-term solution, but he can be a valuable bridge piece while Dallas searches for younger, more dynamic edge rushers.Familiarity and fit: Clowney has adapted quickly to the scheme and has expressed a desire to stay. He wants to sign earlier in 2026 to avoid the early-season rust he experienced this year.Cap flexibility: Clowney’s market value won’t be exorbitant. The Cowboys can afford to bring him back on a reasonable deal without breaking the bank.Leadership and depth: The Cowboys’ edge room is thin. Clowney provides a proven veteran who can mentor younger players and contribute in key situations.
The Bigger Picture
The Cowboys’ defense needs a major overhaul this offseason—likely starting with a new coordinator and new talent at multiple positions. Re-signing Clowney isn’t the solution to all their problems, but it’s a smart, low-cost move that adds experience and reliability.
Jerry Jones and the front office have a chance to show they can make pragmatic decisions after the Parsons trade. Keeping Clowney would be a step in the right direction—giving the defense a steady veteran while they search for the next big piece.
Dallas fans: This isn’t about replacing Parsons—it’s about building a better, deeper unit. Re-signing Jadeveon Clowney should be one of the first moves this offseason.
