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Damone Clark looks to be on his way out of Dallas. Pro Football Network recently identified him as a likely salary cap casualty, which shouldn’t shock anyone who’s watched his disappointing development since joining the Cowboys in 2022.
The writing was on the wall last season when Dallas brought in veteran Eric Kendricks and used draft capital on another linebacker. These moves clearly signaled the team’s fading confidence in Clark, essentially relegating him to a backup role.
Sure, DeMarvion Overshown’s late-season knee injury might create a temporary depth issue, but is keeping Clark really the answer?
Cowboys have better options than continuing the Clark experiment
The Cowboys could easily pivot toward proven veterans like Matthew Judon or Za’Darius Smith – players who’ve actually made an impact in this league. Both would provide immediate pass-rushing help alongside Micah Parsons, something Clark has consistently failed to deliver.
Let’s be brutally honest about Clark’s production. In three NFL seasons, he’s been a non-factor for two of them. Even during his “best” season in 2023, the numbers tell the story – zero sacks, zero interceptions, zero forced fumbles, and just one fumble recovery.
That’s simply not good enough.
When Clark does see the field, he’s essentially just filling space. The Cowboys defense – which has struggled since Leighton Vander Esch’s retirement – needs playmakers, not placeholders. Despite multiple attempts to rebuild the linebacker corps, the results haven’t materialized, and Clark is part of that failure.
The most damning evidence comes from last season’s snap counts. According to Pro Football Network, Clark participated in less than 15 percent of defensive snaps. When a third-year player can’t earn playing time even with injuries ravaging the position group, it’s time to move on.
Dallas can easily find a veteran free agent who’d provide similar or better depth while potentially contributing on special teams. With the salary cap always a concern, Jerry Jones can’t justify carrying dead weight on the 53-man roster any longer.
