There’s no doubt that, if things play out according to plan, the Dallas Cowboys and star pass-rusher Jadeveon Clowney are in line for a reunion. Clowney got no traction in free agency after he was released by the Panthers in May, and joined the Cowboys as an in-season signing in September.
He’s 32 now, so it took a bit for him to get rolling, but once Clowney got his feet under him, he showed flashes of his three-time Pro Bowl self. Clowney finished the year with 8.5 sacks despite playing only 13 games and not recording his first sack until Week 7.
And Clowney, a free agent this offseason, has made no bones about wanting to come back to Dallas, and wanting to sign on early enough to have a full training camp.
“A lot, I enjoyed this season more than I have in the past few years,” he said. “It was a blast even though we didn’t win like we need to. I met a lot of great dudes in this locker room, man. Especially in the defensive line room, this is one of the special groups I have been with in my career, so I enjoy them guys.”
Money Will Have a Say in Jadeveon Clowney Decision
Still, as we are repeatedly reminded, the NFL is a business and what happens next between Clowney and the Cowboys will be a business decision. In other words, will the Cowboys be outbid by an outside team?
That’s the question raised by Jon Machota of The Athletic, as he sorted out where things stand with the defense. The Cowboys have many questions to answer on that side of the ball, but keeping Clowney is among the most important, and Machota tabbed Clowney’s return as, “On the Fence.”
He wrote: “Clowney seems like a decent bet to be on the ‘in’ line. But he’s an unrestricted free agent and probably made himself some money with how he played this past season. The Cowboys have been very open about wanting the soon-to-be 33-year-old back next season. ”
Cowboys Could Still Get a Bargain on Jadeveon Clowney
Indeed, Clowney was one of the better bargain signings of last season, landing a deal worth just $3.5 million. He will be due a raise, and how much of a raise is the question. Spotrac lists his market value at $5.7 million for one year. If that’s the number to beat for Dallas, it’s a good bet that they’ll keep Clowney.
But that might be low. Von Miller, for example, got $5.8 million from the Commanders, and he is four years older than Clowney. It’s not hard to imagine a team coming in with a two-year deal for Clowney worth $16-20 million, which would likely be too rich for the Cowboys, who need to rebuild all over the defense.
GettyDak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys
Cowboys’ Dak Prescott a Fan
Clowney made his presence felt with the Cowboys as a locker-room leader, too, which will carry some weight with the team. The defense is in need of on-field leaders, and Clowney is a 12-year veteran.
Quarterback Dak Prescott certainly wants him back.
“He’s the man,” Prescott said. “We’re fortunate to have him. He’s one of those guys that we’ve got to figure out a way to keep. I know Jadeveon being older, being the vet he is, has a lot of say. So hopefully … he’s enjoyed this year because he’s a guy that we can benefit having for a full offseason.”
Cowboys Star Tabbed ‘On the Fence’ for Free-Agent Return