Before the Dallas Cowboys close out the 2025 season, the team could release veteran Jadeveon Clowney to allow him to join a contender next month. According to Jon Machota on X, he reported on the motivation behind closing out the season for Clowney, and the pass-rusher said money is the ultimate prize at the end of the day. However, since Clowney is under a one-year contract, the Cowboys could do him a favor by joining a playoff team that needs help on defense. Originally selected in the first-round of the 2014 NFL Draft, the former three-time Pro Bowler has yet to win a ring.
Cowboys Could Grant NFL Legend Jadeveon Clowney a Release to Join Contender – 3 Potential Suitors
Clowney isn’t getting any younger, and the defensive end is better off joining a team to win a Super Bowl before he decides to retire. The veteran has been a journeyman for the majority of his career, playing with the Texans, Seahawks, Titans, Browns, Ravens, Panthers and now Dallas. Still, the 32-year-old has plenty left in the tank, recording four sacks and 16 solo tackles during his short stint as a Cowboy. The team originally signed him late in the 2025 season before the trade deadline as the team was desperate to find relief.
The veteran may not be the same, but he should be able to gain interest from several suitors. Last season, the defensive end capped off a decent campaign despite the Panthers’ defensive woes, recording 5.5 sacks, 46 total tackles and four passes defensed. It’s not the greatest numbers, but here are three teams that could sign Clowney to a short-term deal to play in January.
Possible Destinations
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers have one of the best squads on defense, but one thing that they struggle with is the postseason. Even though the Chargers brought back Khalil Mack for one more year, the team could benefit from getting older. Jim Harbaugh wants to build an old-school trenches unit, and Clowney is the perfect asset for that type of energy. Teair Tart and Da’Shawn Hand are the true meat and potatoes type players that this defense strives on when attacking the quarterback.
With Denzel Perryman facing a suspension, the Chargers could add Clowney if he becomes available. Clowney isn’t going to play for most of the snaps, but he’s an upgrade over Justin Eboigbe.
New England Patriots
Meanwhile, the offense in New England has been able to hit on all cylinders at the right moments, but nobody should forget the momentum this defense has been able to establish. However, even though K’Lavion Chaisson made the momentum-changing turnover to help the Patriots clinch their division, the team could use some much-needed depth in the defensive end unit. Milton Williams will be back this upcoming postseason, but until that happens, they’d be better off handing off the snaps to Clowney in situational moments.
This gives him and Christian Barmore more breathing room.
Buffalo Bills
After signing Matthew Judon, the Bills are secretly making a few upgrades on defense. The Bills could benefit from the presence of Clowney in a late situation to help them get ahead of the Patriots and Chargers. Greg Rousseau and Joey Bosa have stood out from the group, but it shouldn’t stop them from adding a reliable depth piece like Clowney. The veteran doesn’t need to start, but be a part of a team that could win a ring.
The post “They’re Paying Me.. That’s Enough Motivation” – Cowboys Could Grant NFL Legend a Release to Join Contender After Latest Comment appeared first on Last Word on NFL.