Cowboys fix major defensive hole by signing All-Pro DE after win over Giants

The Dallas Cowboys defense was a liability in Sunday's 40-37 overtime win over the New York Giants. Giants quarterback Russell Wilson torched the Cowboys secondary for 450 yards, three touchdowns and one interception.

Dallas' defense has not been the same since it traded star defensive end Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers. Earlier this week, executive vice president Stephen Jones confirmed the Cowboys were trying to sign veteran defensive end Jadeveon Clowney. 

Per Todd Archer of ESPN, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones told reporters after Sunday's game that the team was expected to finalize a deal with Clowney on Monday.

"He has been an outstanding player, and he'll add some real depth," Jones said of Clowney. "And he's very credible and he'll help us. It's the kind of thing that we will continue to do. It's a lot of the reason we handle our roster the way that we have it, so we can do these kinds of things."

The Dallas Cowboys receive major help at DE

Clowney, 32, is coming off a 2024 campaign where he recorded 5.5 sacks and 46 tackles for the Carolina Panthers. In 2023, the former first-round pick tied a career-high 9.5 sacks for the Baltimore Ravens. The All-Pro has recorded 58 sacks, 409 tackles and 15 forced fumbles in his first 11 seasons.

In Week 1, the Cowboys' lack of pass rush showed when they sacked Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts one time. Dallas put more pressure on Wilson on Sunday, sacking the veteran three times for minus-28 yards. 

Defensive tackle Kenny Clark, whom the Cowboys received from the Packers as a piece in the trade for Micah Parsons, recorded a sack of Wilson. Clowney will help boost a defensive line that is starting to come together before they play the Chicago Bears in Week 3. The Bears have given up six sacks through two games this season.