The Dallas Cowboys have taken their typical approach in free agency, which means they didn't go crazy, even though owner Jerry Jones flirted with the idea that they would. Nonetheless, the Cowboys aren't looking to spend a boatload, and that could lead Jadeveon Clowney back to them for the 2026 season.
Clowney signed with the Cowboys on a one-year, $3.5 million deal last season, and he gave them an effective edge rusher at 32 years old. And considering the latest moves that Dallas has made at the position, there's a world where he returns to the Lone Star State this offseason.
Jadeveon Clowney Could Make His Way Back to Cowboys This Offseason
It's no secret that the Cowboys could use more juice off the edge. That's why they traded for Rashan Gary, but that addition shouldn't stop them from making more improvements there. And although the Cowboys have Christian Parker as the new defensive coordinator, Clowney showed he still has juice left in the tank.
In 13 games (six starts), he had 41 total tackles, 12 TFLs, 10 QB hits, 8.5 sacks, and four pass deflections. He also compiled 40 total pressures. On Pro Football Focus, Clowney had a 79.2 overall grade (18th among 115 graded EDGEs), 80.6 pass-rush grade (15th among 115 graded EDGEs), and a 70.6 run-defense grade (26th among 115 graded EDGEs). Across the board, Clowney was productive for the Cowboys.
And when you look at the current depth chart, there isn't anyone on the roster that would clearly be an upgrade at edge, other than Gary. Of course, the Cowboys could use the NFL Draft to improve upfront, but still bringing back Clowney would be a positive in several ways. He could provide that rookie with a mentor while also giving Dallas a contributor for the 2026 season.
Spotrac projects Clowney to get a one-year, $5.7 million deal. That's very reasonable and could be something the Cowboys offer. They currently have $14.4 million in cap space per Over The Cap, so they have the money to get something done.
Dallas feels great about their interior defensive line with Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark running the show, but they still need to improve on the outside. Clowney is a player the Cowboys should bring back on a one-year deal and see if he can play at the same level as he did one year ago in Parker's scheme.
Re-signing Clowney doesn't impact the Cowboys' future in any way, and it should be something the front office seriously thinks about.