The Dallas Cowboys have been slow in getting their sack leader in 2025 re-signed. He confirms, however, that he's got "a lot left in the tank."
Jadeveon Clowney was a late addition to the Dallas Cowboys roster ahead of the 2025 season, but he made his presence felt by ending the year with 8.5 sacks, a team-high.
Now, the 33-year-old former No. 1 overall pick is back on the free agent market. He's preparing for another year of rushing the quarterback, though it's unclear where that might be. The Cowboys, like they have been with other priority free agents, are slow in getting contract talks moving.
In the meantime, Clowney spoke about his weight room regime this offseason, which, even after 12 years in the league at a demanding position, remains diligent.
"That’s the usual for me," Clowney, the former top pick of the Texans in 2014, said to Houston's KPRC 2. "The usual, all season. Come in, stand on my grind.
"I got a lot left in the tank. I don’t know if other people know that, but I know that, I can continue to prove that to people and go out there and show people I’m going to do that."
He filled a major void in a Cowboys defense that had just lost All-Pro defensive end Micah Parsons. The rest of Clowney's edge room featured a rookies (Donovan Ezeiruaku) and a trio of rising prospects still trying to find their way (Marshawn Kneeland, James Houston, Sam Williams).
Kneeland's tragic passing mid-season left these teammates whom he worked out with especially shaken, too.
Clowney's veteran leadership was invaluable throughout the year as he turned into the Cowboys' most reliable game-wrecker. That was most apparent in the regular-season finale against the New York Giants where he posted season highs in sacks (3.0) and total tackles (6).
The Cowboys were among the leaders in prime-time games, such as the major holidays and the NFL's kickoff showing in Week 1. Clowney relished in showing the world his skills on the biggest of stages.
"Oh, man, it was great," he said. "I enjoyed Dallas, playing on prime time every week. It was a great experience, man, playing on Thanksgiving, Christmas. It was special for me. A lot of people watching, a lot of families showing up. I had a great time playing for Dallas."
The Cowboys are transitioning to yet another defensive coordinator in 2026 - the team's fourth in as many years. Does Clowney believe he's got a spot on Christian Parker's hybrid 3-4 scheme?
"I done played in every scheme, ain’t no scheme I can’t play in - 3-4 to 4-3 to whatever damn scheme that you had," Clowney emphasized. "I think I done proved that I can play in them all and not just play in them but also dominate in them schemes and do my job at a high level. I just came off a great season, looking forward to doing it again and, you know, continue to prove to people and show the balance.
While Clowney didn't provide any insight into his current contract negotiations for next season, maybe his statement should be enough to urge the Cowboys into at least another one-year contract to see if he can replicate a 2025 season where he had even more room to contribute with a greater role.
Clowney's trainer Ben Fairchild says the defensive end's work ethic has strengthened with the hope that it leads to a contract signing so he can attend a team's training camp, something he wasn't able to do with the Cowboys.
"They know I’m available. I walk in every year and play well on every scheme and every team I’ve been on. I want to continue to do that going into Year 13. Showing people wrong and proving that I can still play at a high level.
"It don’t matter where I end up, where I play at, just know I’m coming to show you again and prove people wrong again."
