In the wake of the Cowboys’ Christmas Day victory, Jadeveon Clowney made it clear he intends to play in 2026. His preference would be to remain in Dallas for next season. 
That feeling is mutual. During a Monday appearance on 105.3 The Fan, Cowboys COO Stephen Jones said the team “would love” to bring Clowney back for next season. The former No. 1 pick has made 12 appearances for Dallas in 2025, serving as a key member of the team’s pass rush along the way. It would come as little surprise if a new pact were to be worked out as a result.
“We’ll be talking with his guys right away,” Jones said (via Tommy Yarish of the team’s website). “With his willingness to want to be here and us wanting him to be here, hopefully we can figure something out.”
Stability is certainly not an adjective which would appropriately describe Clowney’s NFL tenure. After five years in Houston, the three-time Pro Bowler has bounced around to the Seahawks, Titans, Browns, Ravens, Panthers and now Cowboys. Only his Cleveland spell (2021-22) lasted longer than one year upon leaving the Texans. A Dallas re-up would thus mark a departure from Clowney’s standard practice, as much as it would represent a logical fit for both parties.
The Cowboys have Dante Fowler and Payton Turner attached to one-year contracts. Sam Williams‘ rookie deal is set to expire in March, meanwhile, adding to the list of pending free agents along the edge. James Houston is under contract through 2026, while second-round rookie Donovan Ezeiruaku figures to have a role in the team’s pass rush plans for years to come. That still leaves room for at least one notable addition this offseason even if Clowney is to be retained.
The 32-year-old was cut by the Panthers in May, and he remained on the open market into September. Clowney took a $3.5MM pact to join the Cowboys, a deal which has allowed him to produce 5.5 sacks, 16 pressures and eight tackles for loss. Remaining a steady contributor while handling a rotational role would be key in this case as Dallas looks to make needed defensive improvements for 2026. It will be interesting to see if one of the team’s top priorities after Week 18 will be to finalize a new Clowney agreement.