Jadeveon Clowney, Dallas Cowboys
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(Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Depending on how the 2026 NFL Draft shakes out, the San Francisco 49ers could still need pass rush help for the upcoming season. If the Niners don’t find the players needed to bolster their pass rush, they could turn to the veteran free agent market.
One of the names that the 49ers could pursue is Jadeveon Clowney, who spent last season with theDallas Cowboys. However, the Clowney market could become clearer after the draft, as any team unhappy with its pass-rush situation will come calling.
Another team that could be in the market for Clowneyare the Baltimore Ravens. FanSided’s Austen Bundy believes that a return to Baltimore would be an ideal situation for the veteran pass rusher.
“Clowney, 33, is still a dangerous pass-rushing weapon and should’ve had more teams lining up for his services earlier in free agency,” Bundy wrote in his article thatwas published on April 5. “But here we areand he could still land anywhere.
“However, Lamar Jackson hasvocally advocated for Clowney’s return to Charm City and that could prompt the Ravens’ front office to pull the trigger on a low-risk, high-reward investment.”
49ers Named Top Landing Spot for Jadeveon Clowney
As far as the Niners go, CBS Sports’ Garrett Podell sees the Niners as the top landing spot for Clowney.
“TheSan Francisco 49ers ranked last in the NFL in team sacks in 2025, and their 1.18 sacks per game now stands as the lowest by a team that made the postseason,”Podell wrote in his article published on April 3.
“Yes, San Francisco gets both 2022 NFL Defensive Player of the Year edge rusher Nick Bosa (torn ACL) and 2025 11th overall pick edge rusher Mykel Williams (torn ACL and torn meniscus) back in 2026/ Adding a healthy, proven pass rush threat along the edge in Clowney would relieve some of the urgency on those two to rush back from their injuries.
“Plus, Clowney already has plenty of pass-rush chemistry with new 49ers defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa after suiting up together in Dallas last season.”
Last season with the Cowboys,Clowney recorded a 79.2 overall PFF defensive grade, ranking 18th among 115 qualified edge defenders.
Moreover, his pass-rush grade of 80.6 placed him 15th, while his run-defense grade of 70.6 ranked 26th at the position. Clowney generated 40 total pressures, including nine sacks, 29 hurries, and two hits.
Niners Insider Drops Latest on Joey Bosa Speculation
Another free agent pass rusher that the 49ers could look at after the draft is Joey Bosa. Despite the Niners not seeing eye to eye with Bosa financially, David Lombardi, who covers the 49ers for the San Francisco Standard, speculates that the Niners could wait until after the draft to see whether they align with Bosa on his asking price.
“There is a nonzero chance the 49ers exit the draft without picking up a defensive lineman projected to make the 53‑man roster, leaving holes in their rotation,”Lombardi said on April 4 on his YouTube channel. “If that happens, they might turn their attention back to free agency with a different price point in mind.
“Right now, they don’t see eye to eye with Joey Bosa, but after the draft, when signings don’t count against the compensatory formula, the 49ers could potentially reach an agreement with someone like Bosa.”