The decorated South Carolina alumnus continues his professional career with the Cowboys, where his impact has prompted organizational interest in extending the relationship beyond this season.
Productive Campaign Despite Late Arrival
Clowney joined Dallas in September and quickly established himself as a defensive catalyst despite the abbreviated timeframe. Through 12 appearances, he’s accumulated 5.5 sacks and eight tackles for loss, leading the Cowboys in quarterback takedowns while ranking second in backfield disruptions. His contributions have provided consistent pressure on a defense searching for reliability throughout a disappointing campaign that won’t include playoff participation.
Organization Signals Strong Interest
Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones addressed Clowney’s future during a recent 10.5 The Fan appearance, expressing clear intentions about 2026. “We’d love to have Jadeveon back. We’ll be talking with his guys right away,” Jones stated, adding that Clowney “has played at a very high level” and “has been one of our best pressure players.”
The mutual interest appears genuine. According to DallasCowboys.com reporter Patrik Walker’s Christmas Day story, Clowney has no retirement plans and welcomes a Dallas return. “Oh yeah, [I’d re-sign in Dallas] if they’re willing to bring me back,” Clowney confirmed.
Breaking a Recent Pattern
A 2026 agreement would represent Clowney’s first multi-year commitment with a franchise since his Cleveland Browns tenure spanning 2021-2022. The upcoming offseason marks his 12th professional year and potential eighth organization, though recent health has allowed more consistent production after injuries previously disrupted his career trajectory.
Gamecock Legacy
Clowney’s collegiate career at South Carolina established the foundation for professional success. He earned Freshman All-American recognition before posting consecutive All-American campaigns. His 2012 season produced program single-season records with 13.5 sacks and 23.5 tackles for loss. His 4.5-sack performance against Clemson remains unmatched in school history, as does his nine career forced fumbles. The Ted Hendricks Award recognized him as college football’s premier defensive end during his sophomore campaign.
Professional Accomplishments
Since Houston selected him first overall in the 2014 NFL Draft, Clowney has compiled 63.5 career sacks and 116 tackles for loss. His 15 forced fumbles, 35 batted passes, and four defensive touchdowns demonstrate versatility beyond pass-rushing. Three Pro Bowl selections and an All-Pro designation with Houston highlighted his early career peak.
His journey has included stops in Seattle, Tennessee, Cleveland, Baltimore, and Carolina before arriving in Dallas, where his veteran presence and productivity suggest remaining effectiveness despite reaching his 30s.
The Cowboys’ expressed interest and Clowney’s reciprocal enthusiasm position both parties for potential agreement, offering the defender rare continuity while providing Dallas a proven edge rusher entering his 13th professional season.
