Cowboys Unlikely to Bring Back Veteran Pass Rusher

Jadeveon Clowney's future with the team is uncertain under new defensive coordinator

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The Dallas Cowboys are indicating that they will be extremely busy this offseason, with the future of veteran pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney being a lot less certain than it was just a few months ago. While the team was previously expected to re-sign Clowney, new defensive coordinator Christian Parker's scheme may not be the best fit for the veteran, casting doubt on a potential reunion.

Why it matters

Clowney has been a key part of the Cowboys' defense in recent years, so his potential departure would create a significant hole that the team would need to address. The Cowboys are looking to build on their success from last season, and Clowney's future with the team could have a big impact on their offseason plans and their ability to contend in the NFC.

The details

In December, both Clowney's public stance and praise from the team's decision-makers made a reunion with the Cowboys seem inevitable. However, amid growing buzz that Clowney has potentially played his final snap for Dallas, The Athletic's Jon Machota is hearing similar whispers following last week's NFL Combine, citing a wonky fit in Parker's new defensive scheme.

  • In December, Clowney's future with the Cowboys seemed secure.
  • Last week, at the NFL Combine, rumors emerged that Clowney may have played his final snap for the team.

The players

Jadeveon Clowney

A veteran pass rusher who has been a key part of the Cowboys' defense in recent years.

Christian Parker

The new defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys, whose defensive scheme may not be the best fit for Clowney.

Jerry Jones

The owner and general manager of the Dallas Cowboys, who is still looking to extend Brandon Aubrey this offseason.

Jon Machota

A reporter for The Athletic who has heard whispers about Clowney's potential departure from the Cowboys.

Brandon Aubrey

A player the Cowboys are looking to extend this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“Amid growing buzz that Clowney has potentially played his final snap for Dallas, The Athletic's Jon Machota is hearing similar whispers following last week's NFL Combine, citing a wonky fit in Parker's new scheme.”

— Jon Machota, Reporter (The Athletic)

What’s next

The Cowboys will need to make a decision on Clowney's future in the coming weeks as they finalize their roster for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The potential departure of Jadeveon Clowney would be a significant loss for the Cowboys, and the team will need to carefully evaluate their options as they look to build on their success from last season and contend in the NFC.