The idea of a reunion is very much on the table in Dallas, but it may not come cheap. Last week, the executive vice president of the Dallas Cowboys made it clear the franchise would “absolutely” like to bring back former South Carolina star Jadeveon Clowney for another season. The problem for America’s Team? Clowney may have just driven up his own market value at the perfect time.
In the Cowboys’ season finale against the New York Giants, Clowney turned back the clock in a dominant performance that reminded everyone why he’s still employed 12 years into his NFL career. The 32-year-old EDGE rusher finished with six tackles, three sacks, and four tackles for loss, while also batting down a pass and recovering a fumble. It was his best outing of the 2025 season, and it came when it mattered most.
#DallasCowboys DE Jadeveon Clowney vs Giants:
— The Cowboys Network (@TheCowboysNet) January 4, 2026
3 sacks (career game-high)
5 QB Pressures
6 Tackles / 4 Tackles for Loss
1 Fumble Rec. / 1 Forced Fumble
Should the Cowboys re-sign Clowney? pic.twitter.com/phrc7soukq
Clowney had to have hit EVERY incentive in his contract w/ his performance today.
— J.P. Hovey (@jhovey34) January 5, 2026
Man was everywhere on the field. pic.twitter.com/S3Nt22l4lN
Gamecock Greatness Set the Foundation
For Gamecock fans, this doesn't come as a surprise. During Clowney's time at South Carolina, he was a program-altering force on the field, earning Freshman All-American honors and put together two All-American seasons, including a historic sophomore campaign in 2012 when he recorded 13.5 sacks and 23.5 tackles for loss.
His 4.5-sack performance against Clemson also remains a school record, as does his nine career forced fumbles. Clowney also won the Ted Hendricks Award, cementing his place as the nation’s top defensive end before ever declaring for the draft.
Jadeveon Clowney circa 2012 😈
— Mr Gamecocks (@mrgamecocks) November 25, 2024
4.5 sacks, still holds the record for the most single-game sacks in Death Valley 👀 pic.twitter.com/PrSypEbH9W
A long, Productive NFL Run
Since being selected first overall by the Houston Texans in the 2014 NFL Draft, Clowney has carved out one of the more durable and versatile careers among modern pass rushers. Across stops with the Seattle Seahawks, Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens, Carolina Panthers, and now Dallas, Clowney has totaled 66.5 sacks, 120 tackles for loss, 15 forced fumbles, 36 pass breakups, and four defensive touchdowns.
Clowney has also been selected to three Pro Bowls and earned First-Team All-Pro honors earlier in his career, accolades that still carry weight across the league.
What Comes Next for Clowney?
The Dallas Cowboys may want Clowney back, but performances like his season finale tend to attract some competition, especially with big-name talent. For a veteran who has proven he can still disrupt games without a full offseason ramp-up, the market will be there.
Wherever Clowney lines up next, South Carolina will once again have a former Gamecock making noise on Sundays.