The Dallas Cowboys could've kept linebacker Damone Clark and used him as a depth piece for an LB group that improved at the trade deadline but has been a weakness for the defense all season. Could have. They likely won't get the chance, though, because the Houston Texans scooped Clark up off waivers on Tuesday, per CBS Sports.
Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer shared his affection for Clark in a quote that makes it sound like this was more of owner/general manager Jerry Jones and his family's decision, or defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus', as opposed to his.
"I want to really emphasize how much Damone means to me. What an incredible young man he is. In my conversation with him, I said, "Hey man, your career is just getting started, and sometimes change is good.' I really do believe that, that's not (EXPLETIVE). That's what I truly believe," Schottenheimer said.
"I think you have to handle things the right way, and this gives him a chance to find a home and get excited."
In the wake of Marshawn Kneeland's tragic passing, DeMarvion Overshown's return from the IR, and several NFL trade deadline additions that included Logan Wilson at LB and Quinnen Williams at defensive tackle, chemistry is a very fine science that Schottenheimer must navigate. Obviously, it's always difficult for a first-year coach to deal with any change. Let alone this much change all at once. For the front office and Eberflus, there are schematic challenges the team must figure out on the fly.
Clark's leaving is all a part of the football business, but that doesn't mean it stings for Cowboys fans any less — especially when Dallas continues to roster an inferior linebacker in Jack Sanborn.
Jack Sanborn's Matt Eberflus Connection Likely Saved His Job
At the end of the day, Clark was a case of politics not going in his favor. In a just world, Sanborn should've been the guy shown the door in the DFW; however, his personal relationship with Eberflus likely played a role in the Cowboys' decision.
That's the game, though. Football, more than any other sport, is about relationships and familiarity. Sanborn had the right rapport. Clark is a Louisiana native. Sanborn and Eberflus are Midwesterners with a history from their shared time with the Chicago Bears. Eberflus and Co. added Sanborn as an undrafted free agent in 2022 before he followed Eberflus to the Metroplex.
Perhaps Clark can stick in Houston, closer to his home in New Orleans. Or perhaps the New Orleans Saints can bring the former LSU Tiger home someday. Either way, the Cowboys have lost a solid LB who could make an impact for the Texans down the stretch. Meanwhile, Dallas fans are just hoping that Sanborn can prove his signing wasn't a mistake before it's too late.
Either way, it won't be surprising if the Cowboys eventually come to regret keeping Sanborn over Clark.