Cowboys Free Agent Clowney Could Sign With NFC Rival 49ers

Dallas doesn't think Clowney fits new defensive coordinator's scheme, but the 49ers could use his pass-rushing talent.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 6:20pm by Ben Kaplan

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Jadeveon Clowney, a free agent who led the Dallas Cowboys with 8.5 sacks last season, could sign with the San Francisco 49ers, one of the Cowboys' NFC rivals. The 49ers ranked last in the NFL in team sacks in 2025 and could use Clowney's pass-rushing abilities, especially with Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams coming back from significant knee injuries.

Why it matters

The Cowboys' decision not to re-sign Clowney due to scheme fit concerns could come back to haunt them if he ends up signing with the 49ers, a team they will face in 2026. The 49ers' need for pass-rushing help makes them an ideal landing spot for Clowney, who has proven he can excel in various defensive schemes.

The details

Clowney, who led the Cowboys with 8.5 sacks last season, pushed back on the notion that he doesn't fit the team's new defensive coordinator's scheme, saying 'ain't no scheme I can't play in, 3-4 to 4-3, to whatever down scheme that you had.' The 49ers, who ranked last in the NFL in team sacks in 2025, could use Clowney's pass-rushing talent, especially with Bosa and Williams coming back from significant knee injuries.

  • Clowney led the Cowboys with 8.5 sacks last season.
  • The 49ers ranked last in the NFL in team sacks in 2025.

The players

Jadeveon Clowney

A free agent defensive end who led the Dallas Cowboys with 8.5 sacks last season.

Nick Bosa

The 49ers' 2022 NFL Defensive Player of the Year edge rusher who is returning from a torn ACL.

Mykel Williams

The 49ers' 2025 11th overall pick edge rusher who is returning from a torn ACL and torn meniscus.

Raheem Morris

The 49ers' new defensive coordinator who has proven to be flexible with 3-4 and 4-3 fronts.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Ain't no scheme I can't play in, 3-4 to 4-3, to whatever down scheme that you had. I think I've proved that I can play in them all, and not just play in them, but also dominate in them schemes and do my job at a high level.”

— Jadeveon Clowney

What’s next

If Clowney does land in San Francisco, he would be squaring off against his old mates, as the Cowboys host the 49ers in 2026.

The takeaway

This case highlights the Cowboys' potential mistake in not re-signing Clowney, as he could end up joining a division rival and further bolstering their pass rush, which could come back to haunt Dallas when the two teams meet.