It has been an interesting week for the Dallas Cowboys from a roster construction standpoint. As preparations began for Sunday’s opponent, the New York Giants, it was reported that Dallas was bringing in veteran pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney for a meeting and workout. Clowney ultimately left the team’s facility without a locker at The Star, but the aftermath has suggested that a union is possible down the road.
Stephen Jones took to the radio airwaves of San Antonio’s Sports Star on Thursday and was obviously asked about the subject.
“We’re still looking at him and seeing how this thing is going to work out. Certainly, he’s a guy that we’re looking at who could give us some help on the outside.”
After the initial “what’s going on there” question, Stephen was asked specifically what goes into a meeting with a veteran like this, a situation that could lead to a signing later on down the road and not in the initial moment.
“The biggest thing with someone like Jadeveon is just to get to know him. Kind of see what his plan is. And what his thoughts are. Obviously he’s a guy who hadn’t been in a camp. But there’s veterans, that’s kind of, their plan. And we’ve had those types who’ve really worked out for us in a positive way.”
“Just to get to spend time, let him get to know us. Our teammates. Because a lot of guys like that are certainly wanting to find, not only, the money’s gotta be right, but also the right situation.”
“It was a great opportunity for him to get to see what our organization’s all about. To meet Coach Schottenheimer and his staff. To meet Jerry, and I and Will. To get to know the facility. I think he was certainly impressed with that.”
“But that’s really what goes into the visit. Not as much about the workout with someone like that. He’s a guy who keeps himself in shape and played at a high level for 10+ years in the NFL.”
So often meetings like this are about the player getting to know the team as well, a point that Stephen alluded to. Clowney has been in the NFL for a long time and is certainly closer to the end of his career than the beginning so it makes sense that he would want to be selective in choosing his next team.
For what it’s worth, reports from 105.3 The Fan suggest that the Cowboys may have been ready to pounce but that Clowney is the one who wants to be patient.
Time will tell whether or not the Cowboys wind up signing Clowney. It seems that both parties have a general understanding of what could be if they go down that road, now it is just a matter of whether they do or not.