In a move to shore up their defensive front following the shocking preseason trade of star edge rusher Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers, the Dallas Cowboys have signed veteran defensive end Jadeveon Clowney to a one-year contract. The deal, announced by owner and general manager Jerry Jones immediately after the team’s thrilling 40-37 overtime victory over the New York Giants yesterday, is worth $3.5 million with a maximum value of $6 million including incentives.
Clowney, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft out of South Carolina, brings a wealth of experience to a Cowboys defense that has struggled early in the season. Through two games, Dallas has managed just three sacks, including a modest two against Giants quarterback Russell Wilson, who threw for 450 yards in the high-scoring affair. The 32-year-old journeyman, who visited The Star training facility earlier in the week, has played for six teams in his 11-year career, most recently with the Carolina Panthers before being released in May. Last season, he recorded 5.5 sacks, 46 tackles, and nine tackles for loss in 14 games.
“He’s been an outstanding player, he’ll add some real depth,” Jones said postgame. “He’s very credible. He’ll help us.” The signing addresses a glaring need on the edge after Parsons’ departure, which came amid failed contract extension talks. Clowney joins a rotation featuring Dante Fowler, Sam Williams, Marshawn Kneeland, and rookie Donovan Ezeiruaku, providing veteran leadership and versatility against both the pass and run.
A three-time Pro Bowler during his early years with the Houston Texans (2016-2018), Clowney has amassed 58 career sacks across 140 games. His best recent output was 9.5 sacks in 2023 with the Baltimore Ravens, tying a personal high. While he hasn’t reached double-digit sacks in a season, his physical presence and football IQ make him a valuable addition for a Cowboys team aiming to rebound from a 37-point defensive performance against the Giants.
Clowney could make his Dallas debut as early as Week 3 against the Chicago Bears on September 21. With $38.4 million in salary cap space—the second-most in the league—this low-risk signing signals Dallas’ commitment to contending in 2025, even as they navigate the aftermath of the Parsons trade. Fans hope Clowney’s arrival sparks a turnaround for a defense that showed promise in the season opener but faltered in the divisional rivalry.
