Dallas Cowboys DT on how to improve defense: ‘We need a bunch of dogs’
After easily the most whirlwind-like year of his life, Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Kenny Clark has finally settled down.
Given the circumstances he was thrust into, it’s worked out great for him.
Once billed as the savior of the Cowboys’ run defense by ownership when he was a part of the blockbuster Micah Parsons trade just before the season started, Clark had a mountain of expectations thrown on him that were simply not possible to accomplish with seven days to prepare for the opener.
Clark only has one wish: that he had more time.
“The only thing I wish is if the Packers were going to trade me,” Clark said, “I wish I got traded here earlier to have a full offseason with the guys, OTAs, training camp, just to set the standard. The situation I was put in and to meet the guys and get with them so quick, I think we handled it well.”
For a player who only knew one NFL home in his nine seasons in the league, the trade alone would have been a big enough shock to stunt his performance. The fact that it happened so close to the start of the season adds yet another layer.
“After like the first month, just getting my routine, my massages, the body work,” Clark said about how long it took to adjust. “I moved into my spot right before [Week 2]. I pretty much got settled here after my girls got into school. Once all the routine stuff settled, it was good.”
But now that the season is coming to a close, Clark will have a chance to breathe soon. He hopes to stay in Dallas for the foreseeable future.
“It’s been great,” he said about his time in Dallas. “I definitely want to win more, but I love it here. Love the team, love the organization. They’ve been welcoming. I’m just thankful for the opportunity. ... I’m back home now. I’m settled, and everything is good. The guys are what make it feel like home.”
The feelings are shared by the team. In a radio interview on 105.3 The Fan on Monday, executive vice president Stephen Jones sang Clark’s praises for how he’s approached his new situation in Dallas.
“Kenny has just been more than advertised for us,” Jones said. “He’s a leader. He’s great on the field. He’s great off the field. He’s a guy we want to have around here.”
That last part is an important one. As of now, the Cowboys have $64 million dedicated to three defensive tackles in 2026: Clark, Osa Odighizuwa and Quinnen Williams. One of those contracts will have to be adjusted, and Clark’s makes the most sense for multiple salary cap reasons. Unlike the other two, he has no guaranteed money left on his deal.
Although the financial aspect may be a bit tricky, both sides appear to be willing to work something out if the conversation has to be had.
Clark is already looking to the future.
“We have a lot of great players and a lot of guys that are up and coming,” he said. “We got a lot of guys that we are depending on to have big years and develop [in 2026]. I’m excited about that. And then the guys we have like Q and Osa, they’re great players.”
As for his entire defensive unit, he has some notable candid thoughts for the future of that side of the ball, too.
“I just think we need a bunch of dogs,” Clark said. “A bunch of guys who truly love and care about football and not just going on the football field expecting to make plays. Going home and doing the right things, all the small things all the time. We all know this. It’s not like a big talent gap between this team and the next team. It’s just all the little things. The teams that can do all the little things all the time are usually the most successful teams.”
