Cowboys set their eyes on former No. 1 overall pick to land as close to a replacement as they can to Micah Parsons in free agency
The Cowboys are hosting him on a free agent visit this week.
The Dallas Cowboys are hosting DE Jadeveon Clowney on a free agent visit, per CBS’ Josina Anderson.
Of course, the former No. 1 overall pick wouldn’t produce like Micah Parsons, but he can be a high-end contributor to a deep room of defensive ends. While Clowney didn’t fulfill the career expectations set on him coming out of South Carolina in 2014, he’s become a productive journeyman in the last few years. He’s had brief stints with the Seattle Seahawks, Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens, and, most recently, Carolina Panthers.
In 2023, he recorded 9.5 sacks for the Ravens. If the Cowboys sign him, that’s the kind of production they would likely expect.
The Cowboys need help pressuring the quarterback
Week 1 proved the Cowboys have a pass rush problem, which was expected after the team traded away a superstar defensive end in Parsons. Clowney wouldn’t be a replacement for Parsons, but he could bolster a unit that needs all the help it can get.
Last Thursday night, the Cowboys struggled to pressure Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts in time. Hurts had the highest time to throw in the NFL. And when they did put some pressure on him, the defense was punished for it with QB scrambles, largely because pressure came from one side at a time.
Clowney is good against the run, and in obvious passing situations, can still get after the passer at 32 years old. The clip below shows his 5.5 sacks from last year playing for one of the worst defensive units in the league. The Cowboys’ depth on the defensive line would help him stand out more than he did in Carolina.
What would it cost to land Jadeveon Clowney?
Apart from physical testing and a workout, the Cowboys are likely to talk numbers with Clowney on his upcoming visit. I would expect them to target a one-year deal in the sub $10 million range.
Last year, Clowney signed a $20 million, two-year contract with the Panthers. But circumstances are different now. In 2024, Clowney signed in March, fresh off a standout year in Baltimore. Now, he’s signing with the season underway after posting lower production.
We’ll keep this story updated as more information comes in.
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