Former Dallas Cowboys defensive end Jadeveon Clowney | Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

A large contingent of Dallas Cowboys fans expected this offseason to be Jerry Jones’ excuse to break the bank for Maxx Crosby. Unfortunately, Dallas came up short and pivoted to Rashan Gary.

It’s not the end of the world, as the former Green Bay Packer is looking for a fresh start to get his career back on track. Gary broke out in 2021 with a 90.1 pass-rush grade, per Pro Football Focus, but an ACL injury derailed his momentum, and he hasn’t quite been able to replicate that production.

While the Cowboys continue to bolster their pass rush group, Jerry Jones has an easy short-term decision right underneath his nose.

Jadeveon Clowney initially looked like one of the slam-dunk signings of the offseason, but hiring Christian Parker changed all of that, as the veteran DE isn’t a great fit as an outside linebacker at this stage of his career.

Having said that, he’s not incapable of playing the position, and he still profiles as a safe, low-cost option.

Re-signing Jadeveon Clowney should be on the Dallas Cowboys’ radar

According to Spotrac, Clowney’s market value sits around a one-year, $5.7 million deal. Jones wouldn’t have to stretch the budget, and Dallas could bring back a veteran leader who was one of the few bright spots on last season’s abhorrent defense.

Clowney made it clear last season he was playing for his teammates and his family — not the money. Yes, money definitely factors into the equation, but that’s exactly the kind of team-first presence Jones shouldn’t hesitate to bring back.

He’s not the Pro Bowler he once was, but there’s still a lot of value here. Clowney started six games and appeared in 13 last season, finishing third on the team with 37 pressures and leading the defense with 8.5 sacks, proving that he can still contribute in a meaningful role.

The Cowboys needed anybody to pressure the opposing quarterback, and it wasn’t in anyone’s planner that Clowney would lead the pack in that department. Donovan Ezeiruaku showed real promise, and James Houston flashed on occasion, but Clowney didn’t have much help.

It wouldn’t be the flashiest signing, but the Cowboys haven’t made many of those this offseason anyway. There’s little downside in bringing Clowney back, especially at such a low cost.