Jerry Jones of the Dallas Cowboys.
Getty
A former Dallas Cowboys who became a free agent in March of 2026 has been quickly signed by a rival franchise.
The free agency period is filled with twists and turns, and this year was no exception. For the Dallas Cowboys, starting on March 11, the team made plenty of moves in free agency, from signing veteran safety Jalen Thompson to trading for Rashan Gary.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones told reporters on Thursday, March 12, that he’s happy with the moves the Cowboys have made so far during the NFL free agency period. “I think we’re within the boundaries of what we have available, what we’re trying to accomplish with draft picks and with cap,” he said. “I wouldn’t try to re-visit or try to re-do what we’ve done on either that cap or the trades we’ve made. I like what we got.”
One of the best moves so far was signing Thompson to a three-year deal worth up to $36 million, according to Spotrac research. New defensive coordinator Christian Parker has a solid new player in his rotation. Considering that Jones doesn’t shelve out big bucks in free agency, this was the biggest move the team has made in free agency since signing cornerback Brandon Carr to a five-year, $50 million contract in 2012.
Now, a former Dallas Cowboys player who started his NFL career with the franchise has found a home elsewhere, and it didn’t take him long to do it.
Former Dallas Cowboys Player Who Spent 4 Season With the Team Signs With NFC Rival
The Dallas Cowboys drafted LSU linebacker Damone Clark in the fifth round, 176th overall, of the 2022 NFL draft. During his NFL career, he’s played in 55-career games with 26 starts and has totaled 190 total tackles, six tackles for loss, four pass defenses and two forced fumbles.
Clark was with the Cowboys for four years, but for the 2025-26 season, he landed with the Houston Texans. But, his team just changed again.
Clark became a free agent on March 11, and the Detroit Lions quickly swooped in to sign him. The Lions made it official on Wednesday, March 18, signing the unrestricted free. They didn’t disclose contract terms, but his initial deal with the Cowboys was a four-year, $3.9 million rookie contract, which included around $242,552 in guaranteed money.
So, this former Cowboys player now has a new home in Detroit. Expect to see him on the field when these two teams play each other again.
Dallas Cowboys Could Sign Another Solid Available Free Agent
In a Wednesday, March 18, feature for The Landry Hat, Jason Kandel names a handful of free agents that could still be a good fit for the Dallas Cowboys. One of his picks is Buccaneers edge Haason Reddick.
“Even after trading for Gary, the Cowboys need pass-rushing help that goes beyond the upcoming draft, and Reddick is the perfect fix,” he notes in the piece. “Joey Bosa will likely be out of the team’s price range, so the two-time Pro Bowler would be the next best option for a team looking for proven production off the edge.”
Reddick clocked 50.5 sacks between 2020 and 2023, according to NFL research, but he “struggled the last two seasons,” Kandel notes. Still, he makes the point that “if the Bucs are willing to let another established vet walk after losing Mike Evans, the Cowboys could be in play for his talents.”