The Dallas Cowboys' offseason will be defined by whether they extend George Pickens, but he isn’t the only pressing decision looming in free agency.
In a pleasant surprise, re-signing Javonte Williams is no longer on the agenda after he and Dallas agreed on a three-year, $24 million extension. The Cowboys don't have a lengthy list of free agents, but it would still behoove them to be proactive with other players they want back.
For a while, it appeared that retaining Jadeveon Clowney was a priority. However, Stephen Jones revealed on Tuesday that Dallas hasn't had any contract talks with Clowney.
"We’re gonna work through with (new defensive coordinator Christian Parker)," Jones said. "A lot of it will happen this coming week, in terms of the type of player (we’re looking for). We’re gonna continue to have those talks, and then we’ll make final decisions on who we think will be productive in this particular system."
Dallas Cowboys free agent Jadeveon Clowney sounds as good as gone
Jerry Jones announced Clowney’s signing moments after the Cowboys’ 40-40 overtime thriller against the Green Bay Packers in Week 4. The former No. 1 overall pick was brought in to revive a dormant pass rush, and he quickly became Dallas’ most impactful edge defender.
Despite only playing 13 games, Clowney finished third on the team with 37 pressures, first with 8.5 sacks, second with 27 defensive stops, and first with an 80.6 pass-rush grade, per PFF ($).
Clowney left no doubt that he wanted to return, and the firing of Matt Eberflus likely only reinforced that desire.
However, the three-time Pro Bowler is a traditional 4-3 defensive end, and Parker confirmed in his introductory press conference that he'll run a 3-4 base defense. Not since 2012 under Rob Ryan have the Cowboys played a 3-4 defense, per Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk.
Parker affirmed that being "multiple" will be the foundation of his defense, and that shift has seemingly prompted Dallas to reconsider Clowney's fit. At 33 years old with a lengthy injury history, it's fair to wonder if Clowney is scheme-proof at this stage of his career.
It's worth noting that Jones may have just been playing politician so as not to broadcast the Cowboys' plans. Parker, meanwhile, didn’t tip his hand about the roster during his first meeting with the media. For all we know, Dallas may still want Clowney back.
It’s hard to unhear how openly the team praised Clowney. There was little ambiguity -- they wanted him back. However, Jones’ comments on Monday and Tuesday felt like a sharp pivot.
Last year's Combine provided clarity into the futures of DeMarcus Lawrence and Jourdan Lewis, both of whom ultimately signed elsewhere.
The same may be unfolding with Clowney.