UNCERTAIN: Jadeveon Clowney's Return To Dallas Cowboys Suddenly In DOUBT | Potential Replacements!

Summary

Locked On Cowboys Podcast Episode Summary
Episode: UNCERTAIN: Jadeveon Clowney’s Return To Dallas Cowboys Suddenly In DOUBT | Potential Replacements!
Hosts: Marcus Mosher & Landon McCool
Date: February 25, 2026
Podcast Network: Locked On Podcast Network

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Main Theme & Purpose

This episode centers on the sudden uncertainty surrounding the potential return of edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney to the Dallas Cowboys. Hosts Marcus Mosher and Landon McCool explore the factors shifting this dynamic—from coaching changes to Clowney’s own offseason approach—and assess how the Cowboys might address potential roster needs at edge rusher if Clowney departs. Key replacements and strategy discussions provide listeners with deep insights into Dallas’s defensive plans entering the NFL offseason.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Changing Perspective on a Clowney Return (01:12–05:00)

• Shift in Confidence: Marcus Mosher opens with a reflection on how Clowney re-signing once felt inevitable, explaining his new skepticism after hearing Stephen Jones speak at the NFL Combine.

  • “A month, two weeks ago I thought it was a lock that Clowney would be back… After listening to Stephen Jones talk at the combine, I don’t feel quite the same.” (01:29, Mosher)

• Coaching Change Impact: Landon McCool highlights that the hiring of defensive coordinator Christian Parker marks the turning point, as his system alters the prototype for edge defenders.

  • “The inciting factor that changed all of our minds is the hiring of Christian Parker… You just don’t have a need necessarily… for that [Clowney] body type as pronounced as it was in the previous defense.” (02:14, McCool)
  • Clowney’s skillset as a strong-side 4–3 defensive end fit the old system perfectly, but the new defense seeks different traits.

• Clowney’s 2025 Performance: Acknowledgment of Clowney’s overperformance, possibly being Dallas’s sacks leader in 2025, which made his return desirable before the coaching change.

2. Clowney’s Motivation & Offseason Patterns (04:22–06:00)

• Timing & Motivation: Discussion turns to Clowney’s own offseason approach—historically signing contracts late in the summer—which could indicate both personal preference and negotiations driven by timing rather than commitment.

  • “Maybe this guy just doesn't want to be in minicamps and OTAs that often… He’s kind of told the Cowboys, hey, I’d like to re-sign, but let’s revisit this in a couple months.” (04:22, Mosher)

• Clowney’s Own Words: While Clowney suggested he might report earlier to training camp this year, Mosher and McCool draw a parallel with New Year’s resolutions that fade—implying skepticism about his intent to be an offseason participant.

  • “Once January 1st gets here, then I’m going to start going to the gym… And then January 1st is here…it’s like, you know what, let’s put this off another month or so.” (05:37, Mosher)
  • “Yeah, yeah, yeah. New Year's resolution didn't take.” (05:45, McCool)

3. Scheme Considerations: Is Clowney Still a Fit? (05:48–06:30)

• Christian Parker’s more flexible defensive front reduces reliance on Clowney’s rare body type, though his skills retain value.

  • “He suddenly becomes…not completely unvaluable to the Cowboys. I just think that the need to go get this type of player has been eliminated.” (06:13, McCool)
  • Memorable moment: They note the irony that Clowney’s previous success has come in “multiple” defense schemes, yet he may be edged out now—“A lot of Clowney’s best work has come in defenses that are very multiple… shouldn’t be anything new for him.” (05:48, Mosher)

• The hosts agree the “big body” edge role is less of a priority, opening up the search to a wider variety of edge defenders.

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Potential Replacements for Clowney (10:07–13:26)

1. Roster Construction Strategy (10:36–11:00)

• Landon McCool outlines a likely plan: two free agents plus a draft pick at edge, due to sheer numbers required after potential losses.
  • “Your plan probably is to cobble this together with at least two free agents and a draft pick at the edge position... to give you some stability.” (10:37, McCool)

2. Free Agent Targets Tiered Approach (11:00–13:00)

• Mid-range Free Agents ($5M–7M range):

  • Arden Key and K’Lavon Chaisson: Undersized, high-motor players that fit a modern, flexible edge role.
  • Leonard Floyd: Larger-bodied veteran whom McCool sees as a reliable, safe addition—“give you really solid snaps, especially on early downs” (11:21, McCool)
  • Al-Quadin Muhammad: Former Cowboy, “does something every time he gets an opportunity” (11:28, McCool).

• Budget Options ($1M–3M range):

  • Ogbonnia Okoronkwo: Undersized pass rusher, potentially available for less.
  • Josh Uche and Azeez Ojulari: Previously discussed as potential rotational pass-rushers.

• High-end Shoots ($7M–11M+):

  • Possibilities mentioned: Khalil Mack or Joey Bosa, but less likely unless a deal is favorable (12:30, Mosher).

• Value Veterans:

  • Kyle Van Noy as a versatile edge who can “drop into coverage, doesn’t offer you a ton as a pass rusher, but could be the number four guy” (13:01, Mosher).

3. Draft Options (12:30–13:26)

• Both hosts agree one draft pick is likely required, with an early-season hopeful (possibly Donovan Azaraku).
• Potential for defensive tackles (Solomon Thomas, Perrion Winfrey) to supplement pass rush snaps in Clowney’s absence.

4. Scheme-Driven Solutions (13:26–13:40)

• More blitzing and simulated pressures projected to supplement pass rush by involving linebackers and defensive backs in the rush.
  • “Pass rush is also going to be supplemented by blitzing… more sim pressures… more bodies that are not pass rushers attacking the quarterback.” (13:26, McCool)

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Clowney’s Fit:

  • “He just doesn't want to be in minicamps and OTAs that often… Clowney’s told the Cowboys, ‘Hey, I’d like to re-sign, but let’s revisit this in a couple months.’” —Marcus Mosher (04:22)

• On New Year’s Resolution Parallel:

  • “Once January 1st gets here, then I’m going to start going to the gym… And then January 1st is here…it’s like, you know what, let’s put this off another month or so.” —Marcus Mosher (05:37)

• On Defensive Scheme Shift:

  • “The need for having that [Clowney’s] body type is not as pronounced as it was in the previous defense.” —Landon McCool (02:34)

• On Replacement Edge Rushers:

  • “You're probably looking for someone in the five to $7 million range, just to kind of give you some stability.” —Landon McCool (10:46)
  • “I think they're going to get two veteran edge rushers and I think one is going to be in that $7 to $11 million range… The other will be what they got last year with Clowney, like a one-year, $2.5 million contract.” —Marcus Mosher (12:30)

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Key Timestamps

• 01:12–01:59 — Introduction of Clowney free agency uncertainty
• 02:14–04:22 — Defensive scheme impact on Clowney’s role
• 04:22–06:13 — Clowney’s offseason patterns and possible contract timeline
• 10:07–13:26 — Comprehensive rundown of potential edge replacements and team-building strategy
• 13:26–13:40 — Discussion of increased blitzing as a supplement to natural pass rush

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Conclusion

The episode delivers a nuanced, practical analysis of the Cowboys' edge rusher situation post-Clowney, balancing personnel realities with shifting schematics under a new defensive coordinator. McCool and Mosher supply actionable context for fans—from likely free agent targets and draft strategy to how Clowney’s particular skillset’s value may be changing. Whether or not Clowney returns, Dallas seems set to diversify its edge group and lean into greater schematic flexibility in the pass rush.

Transcript

[Landon McCool]

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[Marcus Mosher]

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[Marcus Mosher]

Two months ago, it felt like a lock that Jadevion Clowney was going to be back with the Dallas Cowboys. I don't feel that way anymore. We'll explain why next.

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You are Locked on Cowboys, your daily

[Marcus Mosher]

Dallas Cowboys podcast, part of the Locked on podcast network. Your team every day. Welcome back to the Locked on Cowboys podcast, part of the Locked on podcast network. Your team every day. We'd like to thank you for making us the number one sports podcast network. I am your host, Marcus Mosher. He is Landon McCool. And on today's show we're discussing Jadavian Clowney, the Cowboys veteran edge rusher who was set to become a free agent in the next couple days. Landon, I would have said a month ago, two weeks ago I thought it was a lock that Connie would be back on this team. But after listening to the Stephen Jones talk at the NFL combine, I don't feel quite the same.

[Landon McCool]

Well, I think we got to look at examine exactly what happened in those two months. Right. I think obviously the inciting factor that changed all of our minds is the hiring of Christian Park. And I, and I think that that is probably the situation as well with, with the Joneses. I, I just think that when you look at Jadevion Clowney and the role he serves, he was very much a typical strong side four three defensive end, like a six, six, seven technique guy that is gonna, you know, be big and against the run and, and for the Cowboys he actually, I think he ended up being our leading sacker, if I'm not mistaken, last year, or at least he was tied. Yeah. So yeah, I think he obviously was a little over performative of what we thought that he was going to be. And I think part of, of the thought process in going into the off season was, hey, maybe we resign him and get him in a little bit earlier so we could get him through a whole season of that. And I think that the, the changes in the, in the defense and the kind of roles that the edges are going to be playing specifically is where the angles change. Right. You just don't have a need necessarily, that is, I'll rephrase this. The need for having that body type is not as pronounced as it was in the previous defense. So I wouldn't be completely shocked if the Cowboys did end up signing Jadevion Clowney at some point. Like if that happened. I think what's changed is that because the defense style changed, the like the need to go out and get this specific body type has been greatly lessened. And so going out to specifically get out, get Jadavian Clowney has also kind of evaporated. Even if you like him a lot, I think you're probably, you know, expanded your search of what kind of edge player you're going to look for and the body type has, has been opened up a little bit. So I think you're going to go and shop in the, in the larger bucket to see if you can get maybe a better player or a younger player. And then if you need someone a little bit later on that kind of fits that role, you know, maybe you circle back with G Davion Clowning later on closer to the season.

[Marcus Mosher]

I think that's probably what happened. Like if I had to put money on it, I think that's what happened. I think we also heard from Jadavian Clowney that, you know, he wanted to be here, you know, with the Cowboys, he wanted to resign. And that sounds really good in November and December. And then you go to Cancun, it's like pan, this weather's great. Not practicing is really nice. And then you go to Pro Football Reference and you look at his transaction log and you see signing with The Cowboys on September 14, 2025, signed with the Ravens on August 18, 2023, signed with the Browns in the summer of 2022. Maybe this guy just doesn't want to be in minicamps and OTAs that often in off season workouts. And you know, he's kind of told the Cowboys, hey, I Would, you know, I'd like to resign, but let's revisit this in a couple months.

[Landon McCool]

I mean, to be fair, we. We got all of this from you. Jadevion. Like, funny thing is that it was Jadevion who volunteered the. You're not wrong. First of all, you're not wrong. And I wouldn't be shocked at all if that was the case. But it would be ironic because again, it was Jadavion who, you know, volunteered the information. You know what, Maybe I'll come into training camp this a little bit earlier this year so I can get going a little bit earlier. So listen, that sounds like people. That sounds like someone who's not in Cancun to me.

[Marcus Mosher]

Once January 1st gets here, then I'm going to start going to the gym. Right. And then junior first is here. It's like, you know what? Let's put this off another month or so.

[Landon McCool]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Again, New Year's resolution didn't take.

[Marcus Mosher]

This is all reckless. A reckless speculating. So please do not hold us to it. Of course. Very well. It could just be Christian Parker wants guys that are maybe a little bit smaller and they can play in space. But what's ironic is that a lot of Jadavian Clowney's best work has come in defenses that are very multiple played in Cleveland. That a, you know, three, four defense played in Baltimore that was very multiple. So this shouldn't be anything new for him.

[Landon McCool]

No. And again, I don't think that it's like he suddenly becomes, you know, completely unvaluable to the Cowboys. I just think that the need to go get this type of player has been eliminated. So this type of body type player, he's just a rare version of this body type. Right.

[Marcus Mosher]

So.

[Landon McCool]

So I think that it just opens you up to more options. And now that you have more options, maybe there's somebody better who is more willing to come into training camp because, you know, they're obligated because they got drafted or, you know, you sign them to a deal sooner.

[Marcus Mosher]

All right, let's say that Clowney doesn't resign here in the next couple of weeks. Who are some potential replacements? We'll get to that next. This episode is brought to you by. Indeed workplace chaos. Deadline stacking up, inbox overflowing and the one position that you have to fill is still sitting open when the pressure's on and you need the right hire. This is a job for. Indeed, sponsored jobs. Indeed sponsored jobs help you reach the right people who actually fit what you're looking for skills, experience, location. So you're not just hoping that the right candidate stumbles across your post. So if you're hiring, spend less time searching and more time interviewing candidates who check all of your boxes with Indeed Sponsored Jobs and listeners of this show will get a $75 sponsored job credit to help give your job the premium status that it deserves@ Indeed.com podcast just go to Indeed.com podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Indeed.com podcast terms and conditions apply. Need to hire? This is a job for Indeed Sponsored Jobs this episode is brought to you by Home Chef. As the new year gets going, a lot of people are trying to simplify their routines and dinner is always a big one. Between busy work days, cold winter nights and packed schedules, having an easy, reliable dinner plan always makes a big difference. And that's where Home Chef comes in. Home Chef takes the stress out of cooking by delivering pre portioned fresh ingredients right to your door with easy to follow recipes that actually taste great. They're rated number one by users of other meal kits for quality, convenience, value, taste and recipe ease, and it's easy to see why. And for a limited time only, Home Chef is offering our listeners 50% off their first box with free shipping and free dessert for life. Just go to home chef.com locked on that's home chef.com laton for 50% off your first box with free shipping and free dessert for life. You must be an active subscriber to receive free dessert. This episode is brought to you by fanduel. Have you ever wanted to experience the NBA Finals live and in person? FanDuel is giving you the chance to turn that dream into reality with their NBA Sweepstakes. And here's how it works. Use your profit boost on any NBA future and you'll automatically be entered for a shot to win a trip to the NBA Finals for two. That's right, flights, tickets, the whole thing. Go to the NBA Finals, have a bunch of fun, and if you're already looking at the board and thinking about which teams could make a deep run, this is the perfect time to lock in. So visit FanDuel.com to get started and use your profit boost on an NBA future and and get entered for your chance to win a trip to the NBA Finals. Play your game with FanDuel, the official sports betting partner of the NBA. Welcome back to the Lockdown Cowboys podcast. We're discussing potential replacements for David Clowney. Assuming he doesn't resign. Who do you got?

[Landon McCool]

Landon well we talked about some of the more top end guys.

[Marcus Mosher]

Right.

[Landon McCool]

And on the show today we even talked about bringing back Fowler on a deal probably very similar to what you saw Clowney getting. So what if we looked a little bit further down the list that maybe some guys who aren't necessarily going to break the bank guys, but maybe can come in and give you some. Because here's the thing, I tend to think that the Cowboys need to draft a guy at the edge position.

[Marcus Mosher]

Right.

[Landon McCool]

So I think what your, your plan probably is is to cobble this together with at least two free agents and a draft pick at the. At the edge position.

[Marcus Mosher]

Yes.

[Landon McCool]

And that's how, and that's how you're going together, just because you have numbers that you need at this point. So I think you're probably looking for someone in the five to $7 million range, right. Just to kind of give you some stability. So could a guy like, you know, that's traditionally been a little bit undersized at some of these spots, like Arden Key or Caleb on Chase on, like, could they be guys that, you know, potentially might be better fits or if you're looking for someone who is still maybe a bigger bodied guy who is a veteran. You know, Leonard Floyd is a guy that I don't necessarily love, is my number two all the time, but I think he could come in and give you really solid snaps, especially on early downs and be someone who doesn't get you beat Al Quadhan, Kwadim Muhammad, who was a former Dallas Cowboy who I think, you know, every single time this guy gets an opportunity, he does something it seems like, but he just can't seem to stick on teams. So maybe you, you sign him for like a one year deal or something like that and then I think you got to look at the kind of closer to, you know, we, we talked about, you know, Sam Williams on the show is, you know, someone like in that range. Right. Could you go out and get Ogbana Okoronkwu from, from, you know, from the Philadelphia Eagles. Yeah, but he was the, this is the old Oklahoma player, if I'm not mistaken, right. The kind of undersized pass rushers. I mean again, kind of right up the alley of what you're looking for as understood because he was at Philadelphia. We already talked about Uche and Ojalari as well. I think those guys kind of fit, you know, one to three million dollar range for these guys. So I think that you got to get a couple of these guys in free agency at different tiers and then probably one in the draft as well.

[Marcus Mosher]

I think they're going to get two veteran edge rushers and I think one is going to be in that 7 to 11 million dollar range. And you mentioned some of the names and maybe they go more, maybe they try to get a Khalil Mack or a Joey Bosa. But I think they're also going to be in the market for what they got last year in Jadavian Clowney which is like a one year, two and a half million dollar contract. And I think like a name who I've mentioned a couple times, Kyle Van Noy, who plays really well on the edge as a run stopping guy who can drop into coverage, doesn't offer you a ton as a pass rusher, but could be the number four guy that plays on a lot of, you know, base downs. I think there are going to be guys out there like that available. You mentioned Leonard Floyd, but I think it's going to be two veteran pass rushers, a draft player hopefully in round one, Donovan as a Raku and then you use your depth at defensive tackle. You maybe use more of Solomon Thomas on the edge, maybe Perry and Winfrey plays more snaps on the edge to at least get you by this season.

[Landon McCool]

Yeah, and pass rush is also going to be supplemented by blitzing. There's going to be more sim pressures and that sort of stuff. So there's going to be more blitzing happening whether it's called a blitz or not. More bodies that are not pass rushers attacking the quarterback.

[Marcus Mosher]

That is it for today's show. We'd like to thank you for making us your first listen every single day. Go check out the Locked on NFL Draft podcast. Get you guys ready for the NFL combine. Follow Landon on Twitter @mccoolbcb. I'm @Marcus Underscore Moser. We'll see you guys right back here tomorrow.

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