![\"Cowboys](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,h_675,w_1200,x_0,y_8\/c_fill,f_auto,h_900,q_auto,w_1600\/v1\/m\/7\/c\/7ce9a5b830d01f0d14ed6d265f9982f8379154a4\/alvin-kamara-091624.jpg\")
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Damone Clark’s character is such that at LSU, he was selected to wear the famed No. 18 jersey assigned to a player who exemplifies the best of qualities on and off the field.<\/p>\n
After having been a Dallas Cowboys’ fifth-round pick in 2022, Clark started the long climb to full health after an MRI at the NFL Scouting Combine revealed a herniated disc that would require spinal fusion surgery.<\/p>\n
Clark eventually fought his way to a full-time starting spot on a good 2023 Dallas defense, the 6-3, 240-pounder creating a path for himself that seemed so clear … But one that is now muddled.<\/p>\n
The Cowboys are about to enter NFL free agency with a shot at having $100 million in shopping room. Every dollar helps … which is why an option to free up even more spxw is to simply cut players who’ll be accounting for more money than they’re worth.<\/p>\n
The unfortunate truth for Damone Clark is he now might be one of those players.<\/p>\n
He’s due $3.3 million this year if the Cowboys want to keep him. But he’ll account for essentially zero dead money (about $60,000) if the Cowboys elect to cut him.<\/p>\n
So the question: Is $3.3 million in savings significant enough to say goodbye?<\/p>\n
Clark – who slid down last year in the pecking order and was essentially only a special-teamer can no longer be projected as a starter here. The Cowboys team will be without DeMarvion Overshown for most of if not all of the 2025 season, but he’s got a job when he returns. The team loves Marist Liufau, last year’s rookie find.<\/p>\n
And if new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus – who is skilled at coaching the position – wants to push to spend money at linebacker? Guys like Nick Bolton and Dre Greenlaw are on the open market and can be in the conversation …<\/p>\n
Or, COO Stephen Jones can push to add a $3 million linebacker who is superior to Clark. (If it was up to just-departed coordinator Mike Zimmer, that push would be to bring back Eric Kendricks.)<\/p>\n
Damone Clark has a heck of an impressive story to tell. But next up comes a difficult chapter – a $3.3 million chapter.<\/p>\n
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