Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones has announced that the franchise is signing former No. 1 overall draft pick Jadeveon Clowney to a contract.
Jones announced the signing following an overtime victory against the New York Giants, with this game likely playing a role in the Cowboys’ decision to add the veteran pass rusher.
This signing follows reports last week that Clowney was visiting the Cowboys’ training facility, although no contract was agreed upon during that initial visit.
No official details about the contract have been released at this time; however, the most recent reports indicate that the deal is a one-year contract worth $6 million.
Dallas is betting that Clowney’s versatility and veteran leadership can help stabilize a defensive line that has struggled to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
The Cowboys managed to collect just one sack during their Week 1 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles and three sacks against the New York Giants. However, Giants quarterback Russell Wilson also threw for 450 yards and three touchdowns.
While announcing the signing, Jones praised Clowney for his abilities on the field and told reporters that these types of signings could become common for the franchise.
“He has been an outstanding player, and he’ll add some real depth,” Jones said, per ESPN.
“And he’s very credible, and he’ll help us. It’s the kind of thing that we will continue to do. It’s a lot of the reason we handle our roster the way that we have it, so we can do these kinds of things.”
Clowney joins the Cowboys following a solid season with the Carolina Panthers in 2024, picking up 5.5 sacks and 46 total tackles in only 14 games.
However, the Panthers released Clowney during the most recent offseason to both clear cap space and allow Clowney to search for a team that will be more competitive.
The defensive end will now be on his fourth team in as many years, previously spending time with the Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens before joining the Panthers in 2024.
Although Dallas has not clarified when Clowney will make his debut for the team, there is likely a chance he suits up for the Cowboys’ Week 3 matchup against the Chicago Bears.
Dallas will be facing one of the most impressive offensive playcallers in the NFL in Bears’ Head Coach Ben Johsnon, meaning this team will likely look to receive a contribution early in the season.