The Dallas Cowboys continue having a Randy Gregory-sized hole in their defensive line, with fewer available options in free agency. Jon Machota thinks that Browns pass-rusher Jadeveon Clowney is a great option that cowboys fans should keep their eyes on. Clowney is Machota’s top choice for Dallas’ best free agents.
Machota stated that Gregory was lost and other veteran edge rushers such as Von Miller, Chandler Jones, and Za’Darius Smith signed with other teams. The Cowboys have run out of top-tier options for Gregory’s spot at the right defensive end. Clowney, the No. 1 overall pick in 2014 is coming off a productive season. In 14 games, he had nine sacks and 11 tackles for losses. He was on one-year contracts for the past two seasons. The last year’s contract was for $8million. The previous year, when the Tennessee Titans were in play, was for $13million.”
Here is every sack + TFL by Jadeveon Clowney in 2019: pic.twitter.com/JkbmGwEfXU
— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) July 1, 2020
Cowboys already have a large list of pass rushers, and they were linked to them in free agency this offseason. However, other teams signed the players. Von Miller and Za’Darius Smith are the latest defenders to leave the Cowboys for other teams.
Clowney’s situation is similar to that of the pass rushers. The Cowboys must decide if they are willing to pay top dollars to fix it. The answer so far has been a clear no. Pro Football Focus Ranks Clowney as the No. 3 free agent edge rusher,.
PFF projects that Clowney will be awarded a $15 million contract for a one year with $12 million guaranteed. Clowney signed an $8million deal last offseason.
In 14 appearances for Browns last season, the defender recorded nine tackles and 37 tackles. He also had 19 quarterback hits, two forced fumbles, and nine sacks . Clowney was the No. 1 pick in 2014’s NFL draft. He has also played for four other franchises.
Although there have been many rumors linking Dallas to potential stars, Dallas has been quiet about free agency. After the Cowboys’ playoff loss to Niners, Dallas released Amari Cooper and saw Gregory change his mind after the team announced that he was signing. Although the Cowboys were able re-sign Michael Gallup and made only minor outside moves, the signings by James Washington (receiver) and Dante Fowler (pass rusher) were notable.
Dak Prescott, Cowboys’ star quarterback, made his first public comments since the start of free agency. Prescott said he’s not concerned about the team’s quiet start to offseason, but added that there is still a lot to do.
Prescott said that “Things change and things happen,” to The Athletic, March 22. “I believe it will be to this standard soon. It’s not done. The draft isn’t over, free agency isn’t finished, and there’s still a lot to do with the roster.”