{"id":135171,"date":"2026-01-06T09:16:23","date_gmt":"2026-01-06T09:16:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=135171"},"modified":"2026-01-06T09:16:23","modified_gmt":"2026-01-06T09:16:23","slug":"%f0%9f%94%a5-exclusive-cowboys-jadeveon-clowney-makes-his-free-agent-intentions-clear-sending-shockwaves-through-the-nfl-as-fans-and-rival-teams-speculate-on-where-one-of-dallas-def","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=135171","title":{"rendered":"\ud83d\udd25 EXCLUSIVE Cowboys\u2019 Jadeveon Clowney MAKES HIS FREE-AGENT INTENTIONS CLEAR, sending shockwaves through the NFL as fans and rival teams speculate on where one of Dallas\u2019 defensive stars could land next..ll \ud83d\udc47\ud83d\udc47\ud83d\udc47"},"content":{"rendered":"<p data-start=\"169\" data-end=\"241\"><strong data-start=\"169\" data-end=\"239\">Jadeveon Clowney Reflects on Dallas Season and Looks Ahead to 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"243\" data-end=\"257\">Getty Images<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"243\" data-end=\"257\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net\/tenant\/amp\/entityid\/AA1TCVhO.img?w=768&amp;h=432&amp;m=6\" alt=\"Former South Carolina star Jadeveon Clowney may have played his way into a  bigger payday\" \/><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"259\" data-end=\"303\">Jadeveon Clowney #42 of the Dallas Cowboys<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"305\" data-end=\"671\">For Dallas Cowboys edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney, the 2025 NFL season was a lesson in perseverance, patience, and making the most of opportunities\u2014no 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\u2019t come until mid-September.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"673\" data-end=\"995\">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.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"997\" data-end=\"1408\">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.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"997\" data-end=\"1408\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.clubs.nfl.com\/image\/upload\/t_editorial_landscape_12_desktop\/cowboys\/mbnvqrvzvva7dpdafhrl\" alt=\"Jadeveon Clowney believes he can bring 'a lot' to Cowboys defense\" \/><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1410\" data-end=\"1707\">Even after a disappointing 34-17 loss to the Giants, Clowney\u2019s determination remained evident. Speaking to reporters, he made his intentions clear: he plans to play next season and wants a chance to prepare properly. \u201cFor sure, I am gonna keep playing,\u201d he said. \u201c(Expletive), why would I quit?\u201d<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1709\" data-end=\"2232\">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. \u201cA lot, I enjoyed this season more than I have in the past few years,\u201d he said. \u201cIt was a blast even though we didn\u2019t 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.\u201d<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2234\" data-end=\"2712\">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. \u201cRight 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.\u201d<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2714\" data-end=\"3345\">Clowney\u2019s 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. \u201cIt is always the same,\u201d Clowney said. \u201cGo out there and play hard and finish. Finish what I start, I never quit on nothing, like I said. I don\u2019t care about the circumstances. Ball was hiked, people were coming out there to watch, gotta play for them.\u201d<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3347\" data-end=\"3722\">The season also highlighted another question looming over Dallas: the future of defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus. With the Cowboys\u2019 defense struggling throughout 2025, many speculated that Eberflus\u2019 tenure could be in jeopardy. Clowney, however, chose a measured response. While acknowledging the challenges the defense faced, he praised Eberflus\u2019 energy and leadership.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3724\" data-end=\"4175\">\u201cI don\u2019t know. I am a fan,\u201d Clowney said. \u201cI 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\u2019t have nothing to do with the calls. It\u2019s just being on the same page, some people are getting the calls, some people not. I don\u2019t 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.\u201d<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4177\" data-end=\"4497\">Clowney\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4499\" data-end=\"4930\">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\u2019s intensity, work ethic, and leadership will continue to define his presence on the field.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4932\" data-end=\"5289\">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\u2014focused, determined, and relentless\u2014sets a tone not just for the defensive line, but for the entire locker room.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5291\" data-end=\"5717\">For fans and analysts, Clowney\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Jadeveon Clowney Reflects on Dallas Season and Looks Ahead to 2026 Getty Images Jadeveon Clowney #42 of the Dallas Cowboys For Dallas Cowboys edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney,&#8230; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":135176,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-135171","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nfl"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>\ud83d\udd25 EXCLUSIVE Cowboys\u2019 Jadeveon Clowney MAKES HIS FREE-AGENT INTENTIONS CLEAR, sending shockwaves through the NFL as fans and rival teams speculate on where one of Dallas\u2019 defensive stars could land next..ll \ud83d\udc47\ud83d\udc47\ud83d\udc47 - 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