(Editor's Note: Time to check the mail! The DallasCowboys.com staff writers answer your questions here in 'Mailbag' presented by Miller Lite.)
While I like the signing of Jadeveon Clowney, are you worried his presence will hamper the growth of some of our young defensive ends? – Richard Miller/Austin, TX
Mickey: That is always the consideration but first let's see what he has left in the tank now on his seventh team. Actually, if he is that kind of player, his experience will help with this relatively young defensive line and that certainly is what the Cowboys hope for. But while they are ramping him up, likely starting off as a designated pass rush, those young guys will continue to get snaps in games, and at age 32 in year 12 of his career, not sure anyone is expecting him to play 40 snaps a game at this point without the prep in the offseason, training camp nor preseason. Look, he is not here to replace Micah Parsons. Got to make sure he earns his snaps, but will be incentive for your young guys to continue earning theirs, too.
Tommy: Not at all. If anything, having a veteran like that in the room will probably help more than it will hurt because the group overall is so young. Dante Fowler is the only other veteran that's there right now, so I don't think having another seasoned voice is going to be something that hurts at all. You also have to consider how much of a workload Clowney is going to get at this stage of his career. He might not be a 30-40 snaps a game kind of player and may be utilized situationally. If that's the case, then everyone wins, with the Cowboys getting a veteran presence at defensive end and their young players at the position still getting valuable reps.
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