Jadeveon Clowney Reflects on Dallas Season and Looks Ahead to 2026

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Jadeveon Clowney #42 of the Dallas Cowboys

For Dallas Cowboys edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney, the 2025 NFL season was a lesson in perseverance, patience, and making the most of opportunities—no matter how delayed they arrived. After a turbulent offseason, Clowney found himself in an unusual position: unsigned for much of the spring and summer, waiting on a phone call that wouldn’t come until mid-September.

The Panthers had kept Clowney on their roster until after the NFL draft, officially releasing him on May 8 following his lone season in Carolina. While the move was a strategic salary cap decision for the Panthers, the timing left Clowney without a team during summer training camps and even as the regular season began.

Finally, mid-September brought the call Clowney had been waiting for: the Dallas Cowboys. At 32 years old, Clowney stepped onto the field for a team in transition, a defense facing scrutiny, and a locker room seeking leadership. Despite the delayed start, Clowney quickly made an impact. Over 13 games, he recorded 8.5 sacks, including a career-high 3.0 sacks in the season finale against the New York Giants.

Even after a disappointing 34-17 loss to the Giants, Clowney’s determination remained evident. Speaking to reporters, he made his intentions clear: he plans to play next season and wants a chance to prepare properly. “For sure, I am gonna keep playing,” he said. “(Expletive), why would I quit?”

Clowney expressed a deep appreciation for his time in Dallas. He praised the camaraderie within the locker room, particularly the defensive line group, noting the culture of accountability and shared effort. “A lot, I enjoyed this season more than I have in the past few years,” he said. “It was a blast even though we didn’t win like we need to. I met a lot of great dudes in this locker room. Especially in the defensive line room, this is one of the special groups I have been with in my career, so I enjoy them guys.”

However, Clowney also made it clear that preparation and timing matter. He wants to sign earlier in the offseason, participate in a full training camp, and avoid the slow start that marked his first year with the Cowboys. “Right situation. All about that. I got my agent, whatever he is gonna do. I want to get going a little earlier than I did this year, of course. I felt a little rusty when I first got going, I was missing plays, missing sacks. I want to get going early.”

Clowney’s performance in Week 18 illustrated his professional mindset. Even though the game held little significance beyond the hope of reaching .500 and avoiding back-to-back losing seasons for the first time in 23 years, he approached it with intensity. His three sacks marked the most in a single game in his career, underscoring his commitment to finishing what he starts. “It is always the same,” Clowney said. “Go out there and play hard and finish. Finish what I start, I never quit on nothing, like I said. I don’t care about the circumstances. Ball was hiked, people were coming out there to watch, gotta play for them.”

The season also highlighted another question looming over Dallas: the future of defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus. With the Cowboys’ defense struggling throughout 2025, many speculated that Eberflus’ tenure could be in jeopardy. Clowney, however, chose a measured response. While acknowledging the challenges the defense faced, he praised Eberflus’ energy and leadership.

“I don’t know. I am a fan,” Clowney said. “I like his energy, he got great energy. We just got scored on sometimes. We just got to execute on a high level, together. Sometimes it don’t have nothing to do with the calls. It’s just being on the same page, some people are getting the calls, some people not. I don’t know what is gonna happen in that situation, I stay out of that. I just try to take care of my business and look forward to next year.”

Clowney’s comments reflect both professionalism and perspective. He understands that football is a team sport and that individual performance is inextricably tied to collective execution. His focus remains on preparing, playing, and helping the Cowboys succeed, regardless of staff changes or organizational decisions.

Looking ahead to 2026, Clowney is determined to avoid the chaos that marked his first season in Dallas. By signing early and participating in a full offseason program, he hopes to maximize his impact and continue his role as a key defensive playmaker. Whether the Cowboys retain him or explore other options, one thing is certain: Clowney’s intensity, work ethic, and leadership will continue to define his presence on the field.

As the Cowboys enter the offseason with questions surrounding coaching, defensive strategy, and personnel, Clowney represents both a stabilizing force and a reminder of what commitment looks like in a team navigating uncertainty. His approach—focused, determined, and relentless—sets a tone not just for the defensive line, but for the entire locker room.

For fans and analysts, Clowney’s journey in 2025 is a microcosm of the larger Dallas narrative: a team with high expectations, a roster of talented players, and the challenge of converting individual potential into consistent, winning performances. With Clowney in the fold and an offseason to regroup, the Cowboys have a veteran edge rusher who is motivated, experienced, and fully invested in making the next season count.