The Green Bay Packers have been actively swapping pass-rushers with the Dallas Cowboys via trades over the past year, and that trend appears poised to continue into late-game free agency this summer.
After acquiring superstar Micah Parsons from Dallas in exchange for two first-round picks and defensive tackle Kenny Clark last summer, Green Bay sent edge defender Rashan Gary to the Cowboys this offseason in return for a 2027 fourth-round draft pick.
With the departure of Gary, the need for veteran depth has become urgent — especially with Parsons expected to miss the early part of the 2026 season. FanSided’s Wynston Wilcox suggested on Thursday, June 4, that the Packers target three-time Pro Bowler Jadeveon Clowney to replace Gary and bolster the pass rush behind the injured Parsons.
“A veteran free agent is likely the move, and Jadeveon Clowney isn’t a bad option at all,” Wilcox wrote. “When Clowney was paired with an elite pass-rusher in Myles Garrett in Cleveland for two seasons, he compiled 11 sacks in 26 games.”
Parsons Likely Sidelined for First Four Games
Micah Parsons’ ACL rehabilitation is projected to keep him out for potentially the first month of the regular season. The star edge rusher has been transparent about prioritizing long-term health.
“The goal has always just been not right now, but longevity with my career here,” Parsons told reporters. “And I think they want that approach, and we have a pretty strong nine-month rule. Just through the research and the data, there’s no good outcomes with players coming back early from ACL, especially if you had another — other things that had to get fixed up.”
The trade of Gary has left Green Bay’s edge group notably thin, particularly behind 2023 first-round pick Lukas Van Ness. While Van Ness has shown flashes as a solid contributor when healthy, he has recorded just 8.5 sacks across his first three NFL seasons spanning 43 games.
Why Jadeveon Clowney Is a Smart, High-Value Fit
Jadeveon Clowney, the former No. 1 overall pick out of South Carolina in 2014, remains a productive veteran pass-rusher. He appeared in 13 games for the Cowboys last season, recording 12 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks. Although he has yet to reach double-digit sacks in a single season, Clowney has posted between 8.5 and 9.5 sacks five times in his career.
At 33 years old in 2026, Clowney would not represent a long-term solution in Green Bay. Instead, he would serve as an ideal short-term veteran presence — capable of starting on the edge during Parsons’ absence and rotating into pass-rush packages once the star returns.
Despite a strong 2025 campaign with Dallas, Spotrac projects Clowney’s market value at approximately $5.7 million on a one-year deal. That price point offers exceptional value for a player with his pedigree and recent production.
The Packers currently sit with nearly $26 million in salary cap space. After addressing the cornerback position through both free agency and the April draft, edge rusher stands out as one of the team’s most pressing remaining needs. A veteran addition like Clowney — or a similar profile on a short-term, value-oriented contract — aligns perfectly with Green Bay’s roster-building strategy.
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Whether the Packers ultimately land Clowney, Joey Bosa, Cameron Jordan, or another experienced pass-rusher, the message is clear: Green Bay must add at least one more proven edge defender before the regular season begins. A low-cost, high-impact signing like Clowney could prove to be the exact veteran bridge the defense needs to stay competitive while Parsons works his way back.
