Jadeveon Clowney

Career StatsA-

Year	Team	GP	Sacks	Tkl	TFL
Career		153	66.5	450	90.5
2025		13	8.5	41	7
2024		14	5.5	46	7.5
2023		17

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

This Jadeveon Clowney signing earns an A- CVI and represents a steal for Dallas, landing an above-average pass rusher at bargain-bin pricing. At just $3.5M AAV with minimal guaranteed money, the Cowboys are paying rotational player wages for a defender who still generates consistent pressure and remains effective against both the run and pass. While Clowney's peak All-Pro days are behind him, he's proven he can stay healthy and productive in his early thirties, making this low-risk bet even more attractive. The one-year structure gives Dallas maximum flexibility while offering Clowney a chance to rebuild his market value in a contract year — classic win-win positioning. Jerry Jones just added legitimate edge depth without compromising future cap space, and if Clowney delivers anywhere near his recent form, this deal will look like highway robbery by season's end.

Contracts in the Same Value Band

Other same-position deals the Contract Value Index also places in the A band — a quick read on where Jadeveon's contract sits relative to comparable money.

Performance Analysis

Jadeveon Clowney, the former No. 1 overall pick and 12-year veteran, remains a disruptive force on Dallas's defensive line at 33 years old. Playing in his 153rd career game, Clowney has established himself as a reliable pass rusher despite entering the twilight of his career. His A- performance grade reflects a player still operating at an elite level relative to his positional peers. This season, Clowney is posting 0.65 sacks per game, nearly matching the elite threshold of 0.66 and substantially outpacing the NFL average of 0.19. His 0.77 QB hits per game sit above the positional average of 0.43, demonstrating consistent pressure generation. However, his tackle-for-loss rate of 0.54 per game falls slightly short of the above-average benchmark, revealing a modest decline in run-defense consistency compared to his peak years—a natural byproduct of age and mileage. The concerning trend emerged in 2024, when his grade dipped to B-, and current-season performance (B grade) suggests he's stabilized rather than rebounded. His sack production remains elite, but the overall trajectory indicates diminishing returns across supplementary metrics. At 33, Clowney's ability to maintain starter snaps and pressure rates will be the critical monitor for 2025. If he can sustain his current 0.65 sacks-per-game pace while anchoring Dallas's edge rotation, he'll extend his relevance as a valued rotational contributor.

How Jadeveon Compares at the Position

Jadeveon Clowney ranks 14th of 147 graded defensive ends by performance. That slots Jadeveon between Zach Allen (A-) just ahead and Joey Bosa (B+) just behind.

Current Sentiment

Jadeveon Clowney enters 2026 as a respected veteran pass rusher whose market perception remains solid despite the absence of All-Pro or Pro Bowl accolades. Recent headlines reflect genuine organizational interest—Bears, Seahawks, Patriots, and other contenders are actively pursuing him as a training camp target—suggesting teams view him as a reliable depth option and rotational edge defender. At 12 years into his career with 66.5 sacks and a modest $3.5M annual contract, Clowney occupies the sweet spot of an experienced role player whose production and durability are valued by multiple franchises. Media coverage skews optimistic, framing him as a smart free-agent addition rather than a declining veteran, which elevates perception above a typical backup baseline. Overall, Clowney's reputation is anchored in steady professionalism and proven NFL longevity rather than star-tier accolades, positioning him favorably for 2026 as a sought-after veteran presence.