On Wednesday, the Dallas Cowboys hosted free agent defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, the former No. 1 overall pick, for a visit, but he left without signing a contract. According to former Cowboys scout and analyst Bryan Broaddus on 105.3 The Fan, the Cowboys were ready to offer Clowney a deal, but the 32-year-old defensive end opted to “wait and see” before making a decision. While the exact reasons for his hesitation remain unclear, this development leaves the door open for Dallas to potentially secure his signature in the near future.
Clowney’s visit to Dallas signals mutual interest, as the Cowboys are looking to bolster their defensive line with a proven veteran. However, the decision not to sign immediately could stem from several factors. One possibility is that Clowney is exploring offers from other teams, weighing his options to find the best fit or financial package. Another potential sticking point could be the contract terms proposed by the Cowboys, which may not have aligned with Clowney’s expectations.
Last season, Clowney signed a two-year, $20 million deal with the Carolina Panthers, where he remained productive despite playing on a statistically underwhelming defense. Now, at 32 years old and with the 2025 NFL season already underway, the Cowboys are likely approaching negotiations with a more conservative offer. A one-year deal in the range of $5 million would be a reasonable estimate for a player of Clowney’s caliber at this stage of his career. If financial terms were indeed the roadblock, Dallas will need to hope that Clowney doesn’t receive a more lucrative offer elsewhere.
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Clowney’s appeal to the Cowboys is clear. As noted by Cowboys offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer earlier this week, “He’s missed playing the game and the film looks good. I would say that the personal relationship I have with him and the problem he can create in the run and the pass is the reason he’s [on a visit].” Clowney’s ability to disrupt both the run and pass games makes him an attractive option for a Cowboys defense looking to add depth and experience. His track record as a dominant edge rusher, combined with his versatility, could provide a significant boost to Dallas’ defensive front.
While Clowney’s decision to hold off on signing leaves uncertainty, it also keeps the Cowboys in the race. If no other team meets his expectations, Dallas could still have a chance to bring him on board. However, the Cowboys will need to act quickly, as other teams may also be vying for the former top pick’s services. Losing out on Clowney would be a missed opportunity for Dallas, especially after expressing clear interest in his skill set.
For now, the Cowboys can remain optimistic about their chances, but they’ll need to navigate the financial and competitive challenges of free agency to secure Clowney’s signature. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on whether Dallas can close the deal or if Clowney will end up suiting up for another team.