Jerry Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboys, appears prepared to part ways with a veteran defensive end whose 12-year NFL career has netted him over $100 million in earnings.

Addressing the re-signing of Jadeveon Clowney, Jones made his stance clear at the NFL Owners Meeting in Phoenix.

“It’s real hard when you look at how Clowney came on last year in the snaps he gave us,” Jones said. “But you can’t have it all. If things go right for us, we’ve already made a signing, we’ve made trades, we think that’s the better way to go. And, of course, we got the draft. It can very easily answer some of that question.”

Clowney signed a one-year, $3.45 million deal with the Cowboys last year. He played a total of 13 games, recording 41 tackles (24 solo) and led the franchise with 8.5 sacks in the 2025 season.

But because of the big signing that Dallas has done in this free agency, it's doubtful they will bring back Clowney. Clowney has been a part of seven teams in his 12-year career. So, free agency isn't new for him.

“That’s the usual for me,” Clowney told Aaron Wilson of KPRC. “The usual, all season. Come in, stand on my grind. I got a lot left in the tank. I don’t know if other people know that, but I know that, I can continue to prove that to people and go out there and show people I’m going to do that.”

But of all the teams Clowney has been a part of, America's Team holds a special place.

"I enjoyed Dallas, playing on prime time every week," Clowney added. "It was a great experience, man, playing on Thanksgiving, Christmas. It was special for me. A lot of people watching, a lot of families showing up. I had a great time playing for Dallas."

Where Does Jadeveon Clowney Land Next?

As of now, Jadeveon Clowney is a free agent and, according to Spotrac, he is projected to land a per-year $5.71 million deal. And here are a few potential landing spots for Clowney this season.

Clowney has expressed his interest in the Baltimore Ravens and the opportunity to play with Lamar Jackson, making the Ravens a preferable choice for him.

Other teams, like the Detroit Lions, are seeking a veteran addition to complement their edge rushers. Also, the Cincinnati Bengals are looking for a post-Trey Hendrickson edge rusher to rebuild their defense.

The Green Bay Packers are also viewed as a potential landing spot for Clowney, who could help fill the gap left by Micah Parsons due to injury.

"It don’t matter where I end up, where I play at, just know I’m coming to show you again and prove people wrong again", Clowney said, per Aaron Wilson of KPRC.

Do you think Jerry Jones is making a mistake by not signing Clowney? Let us know what you think!

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Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore