The Dallas Cowboys and Jerry Jones are coming off of a successful 2026 NFL Draft. While the roster is almost set, there are still some decisions that need to be made.
Entering the offseason, the Cowboys seemed to have interest in bringing Jadeveon Clowney back. After signing him in the early stages of the 2025 season, he became a starter and a key part of the team’s defense. So far, he has yet to find a new home.
Fans in Dallas like Clowney and were hoping to see him return. At this point in time, it does not appear likely that the Cowboys will be re-signing him.
Assuming he does end up leaving Dallas, where could Clowney go? A new potential landing spot has been suggested that would see him land with an NFC opponent.
Cowboys Could See Jadeveon Clowney Sign With the Panthers
Bradley Locker of Pro Football Focus took a look at the best landing spots for the NFL’s best free agents following the NFL Draft. When it came to Clowney, he named the Panthers as the best fit.
Of course, Clowney is familiar with Carolina. He played for the Panthers during the 2024 season.
“Carolina does have suitable pass-rushers in Phillips, Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen, but the latter two displayed growing pains as rookies by sitting under a 62.0 pass-rush mark,” Locker wrote. “The veteran Clowney could not only serve as a mentor to those second-year defenders, but also be a legitimate complement to Phillips.”
During the 2025 season with the Cowboys, the former No. 1 overall pick ended up playing in 13 games. He recorded 41 total tackles to go along with 8.5 sacks, a forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, and four defended passes.
Dallas could still decide to try and bring him back, but his market should heat up at some point in the near future.
Carolina Is Looking Like a Potential NFC Contender
While the Cowboys are not scheduled to play the Panthers during the 2026 NFL regular season, they have a chance to face off against them come playoff time.
Obviously, there are still questions about whether or not Dallas is a playoff team. However, Carolina made the playoffs last season and has improved this offseason.
Clowney joining the Panthers help them improve defensively. They have had a strong offseason and if Bryce Young can take another step in the right direction are going to be a tough team to beat.
Only time will tell, but Carolina seems to be a potential team to watch when it comes to Clowney late in NFL free agency.
Dallas Cowboys Could Lose Key 2025 Starter to NFC Opponent