Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Cowboys Make Unexpected Jadeveon Clowney Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Sep 21, 2025 3:42 PM ET

Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys secured their first win of the 2025 NFL season in Week 2, taking down the New York Giants in overtime. After trading away All-Pro pass rusher Micah Parsons before the season began, the Cowboys have only recorded four sacks through two games. So, immediately after the Week 2 win, Dallas signed free agent defensive end Jadeveon Clowney.

Clowney, 32, has been one of the NFL's best pass rushers since joining the league in 2014. The former South Carolina star most recently played for the Carolina Panthers in 2024, tallying 5.5 sacks in 14 games. And Jones expected Clowney to suit up in Week 3 as the Cowboys faced Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears.

"Cowboys owner Jerry Jones on @1053thefan said he doesn’t know how many snaps DE Jadeveon Clowney will play, but he does expect him to play Sunday in Chicago," The Athletic's Jon Machota wrote on X on Friday.

Although Jones expected his new defensive addition to play against Chicago, the Cowboys listed Clowney as inactive for Week 3.

However, cornerback Trevon Diggs, after being added to the injury report on Saturday with an illness, was able to play against the Bears. Fellow cornerback Daron Bland remains out, still recovering from a preseason foot injury.

"New #Cowboys DE Jadeveon Clowney is inactive today against the #Bears," NFL Network's Tom Pelissero wrote on X. "Still ramping up. CB Trevon Diggs (knee) is active."

New #Cowboys DE Jadeveon Clowney is inactive today against the #Bears. Still ramping up. CB Trevon Diggs (knee) is active.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 21, 2025

Clowney will be one of the better pass rushers on Dallas’ roster once he can play. After four straight double-digit sack seasons from Parsons, the Cowboys’ leaders in 2025 through two games are James Houston, Kenny Clark and Marshawn Kneeland with one apiece, while the fourth came on a team sack.

Following Week 3, Clowney could make his Cowboys debut in Week 4 when Parsons and the Packers come to Dallas on "Sunday Night Football."

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: