RT “BOMBSHELL FROM COWBOYS CAMP — JADEVEON CLOWNEY CORNERS JERRY JONES WITH A STUNNING ULTIMATUM” 💣⭐
In a Christmas Day win over the Washington Commanders that felt more like a survival test than a statement, the Dallas Cowboys’ defense had one of its shakiest outings of the season. Allowing rookie running back Bill Croskey-Merritt to explode for 105 yards and two touchdowns on a blistering 9.5 yards per carry, while Washington’s third-string QB-led offense averaged 8.0 yards per play, was far from impressive. The unit escaped with a 30-23 victory largely thanks to the offense controlling the clock and Washington going just 1-of-6 on third downs.
But amid the defensive struggles, one player stood tall: Jadeveon Clowney.
The 32-year-old edge rusher delivered a season-high performance on the biggest stage, racking up six pressures (37.5% pressure rate) and two run stuffs, according to Next Gen Stats. His impact was undeniable, even if the stat sheet didn’t scream superstar numbers. Clowney entered the game with a 77.5 pass-rush grade from Pro Football Focus—ranking 19th among 112 edge defenders—and he’s been equally solid against the run (67.1 run-defense grade, 19 defensive stops).
Postgame, Clowney made it clear he has no plans to retire. “Everybody can’t do it — it’s a blessing for me to still be playing 12 years later,” he told reporters (via Cowboys team reporter Patrik Walker). “I thank God every day for that. … Next year, I just gotta get ready a little earlier, and stay ready. … Oh yeah, [I’d re-sign in Dallas] if they’re willing to bring me back, but, yeah, I’m pretty sure I’m definitely gonna play.”
The comments weren’t just feel-good—they were a not-so-subtle hint that Clowney wants to stay in Dallas. Signed mid-September after the Cowboys’ defense surrendered 40 points in a tie with the Packers, Clowney arrived in peak shape but without a training camp to shake off rust. It took a few weeks to find his rhythm, but since then, he’s been a revelation for a defense desperately needing a spark.
“I got a lot left in the tank. I ain’t gonna go sit on my couch,” Clowney added. “I’m gonna stay ready. Maybe sign a little bit earlier, and I’m trying to go to camp next year so I can get the rust off me and get going. I’m looking forward to it.”
With the Cowboys’ EDGE room painfully thin, retaining Clowney should be a no-brainer for Jerry Jones. Even if Dallas brings in two or three more edge rushers this offseason, Clowney’s veteran presence, pass-rush juice, and run-stopping ability make him a perfect fit. His midseason signing last year proved to be a masterstroke—imagine what a full offseason and training camp could unlock.
The Cowboys’ defense has been a major disappointment in 2025, but Clowney has been one of the few bright spots. If he returns in 2026, fully integrated from Day 1, he could be the anchor that helps Dallas rebuild a fearsome front seven. Jerry Jones, take note: locking up Jadeveon Clowney now is the smart move for a team looking to turn the page.
