It was a win on Christmas Day and for the Cowboys, given the way things have been going–namely, a three-game losing streak–there’s nothing to complain about there. Sure, it was a team on its third-string quarterback, and sure Josh Johnson had not started a game since 2021, and sure the Cowboys’ offense petered out almost completely in the second half. But it was 30-23 over the Commanders, and some good feeling has been restored at The Star.
At 7-8-1 with one more game to play, though, the future is certainly weighing on the minds of those around the franchise. That includes quarterback Dak Prescott, who went for 307 yards on 19-for-37 passing, with two touchdowns and no interceptions. Prescott had his struggles after halftime, but did enough to bring home the win.
With a .500 record, at least, in sight, Prescott is keeping one eye on having some momentum for 2026, and which players might be worth keeping around to maintain that momentum. One player stuck out for Prescott on Thursday: pass-rusher Jadeveon Clowney.
Jadeveon Clowney Has Been ‘A Great Teammate’ on Cowboys
For a Cowboys defense that is lacking in pass-rushers, both young ones and veterans, Clowney has been a blessing–he signed in September, and has stabilized a position lacking in depth. He was outstanding against the Commanders as he logged 1.5 sacks, the second time he has had more than one sack in the last four games.
Prescott has enjoyed having Clowney’s veteran presence around the team.
“Plays, plays, plays, one after another, he is a guy that loves the game, you can feel it, any conversations you have with him. He is a great teammate,” Prescott said.
Jadeveon Clowney: $5.3 Million for 2026?
More than that, Prescott wants to have Clowney back with the Cowboys in 2026. He signed a one-year, $3.5 million contract for Dallas this year, and at age 32, would likely command a reasonable paycheck in 2026–Spotrac projects him at $5.3 million for one year on his next deal.
“He’s a man. We’re fortunate to have him,” Prescott said. “He’s one of those guys we have to figure out how to keep. Jadeveon being older, being the vet he is, has a lot of say-so.
“Hopefully we made the great impression and he has enjoyed this year because he is a guy that we can benefit having for a full offseason and just growing into next year with his leadership and the way he approaches the young guys and the things they can learn from him. He’s done it since he has showed up.”
Cowboys Should Have Dak Prescott in 2026
In the short term, Prescott was asked whether he thought he would play in the Cowboys’ finale next week against the Giants. Prescott did not think it would be much of a question.
“I love this game, I love any opportunity I get to play it,” Prescott said. “If I get to go out there, I am going to give it my best, I am going to prepare the same way, I am going to be the same player that you guys know. I understand the reasons why maybe not, and if I am approached with that, I will handle that then.
“In my mind, any conversations I have had with Schotty about it have been that I’m playing, yeah.”
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