The Dallas Cowboys’ offseason has been rife with discussions around player performance, depth chart strategies, and roster management. One name that has consistently surfaced in these debates is linebacker Damone Clark, whose career trajectory since being drafted in 2022 has raised eyebrows. As the NFL gears up for the new season, the question arises: Should the Cowboys cut ties with Clark, or is there still hope for his development?
Pro Football Network has recently stirred the pot by including Clark in their list of potential salary cap casualties, highlighting his lackluster performance compared to his peers. Indeed, Clark’s past two seasons have not been impressive, with last season serving as a definitive moment when the Cowboys opted to reallocate resources by acquiring veteran Eric Kendricks and drafting another linebacker. This move signaled a clear intention to minimize Clark’s role and treat him more as a depth player rather than a key component in their defensive strategy.
While one might argue for Clark’s retention due to the injury of DeMarvion Overshown—who is likely to miss a significant portion of the upcoming season—one must ask: Is keeping Clark truly worth it? In a league where every roster spot is precious, relying on a player who has not capitalized on his limited opportunities could be detrimental. The Cowboys have other options available, such as pursuing seasoned EDGE rushers like Matthew Judon or Za’Darius Smith, who bring a wealth of experience and proven results.
Clark’s NFL statistics paint a sobering picture. In three seasons, he has struggled to leave a mark, managing to record zero sacks, interceptions, or forced fumbles in his standout season, 2023. This glaring lack of production calls into question his efficacy as a player, raising concerns among the Cowboys’ management. As reported, Clark played less than 15 percent of defensive snaps last year—not the kind of engagement expected from a player fighting for a spot on the roster.
If the Cowboys hope to remain competitive this season, they cannot afford to carry players who simply take up space. Micah Parsons, the rising star of their defense, desperately needs robust support, especially following the retirement of Leighton Vander Esch. The linebacker unit has been underwhelming, and Clark has been part of the issue, unable to step up when called upon.
With every passing day, it becomes clearer that the time for introspection has arrived for both Clark and the Cowboys’ coaching staff. There seems to be little left for Clark to prove that he deserves a place on the 53-man roster. Jerry Jones and his team face a crucial decision: invest in a potential player who hasn’t materialized, or make the bold choice to move in a different direction.