A former running back for the Dallas Cowboys has become a free agent. Corey Clement, who was with the Cowboys in the 2021 season, was let go from the Arizona Cardinals’ practice squad after their Week 18 game on Monday, January 8. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, this move allows the experienced running back to sign with a playoff team in need of additional depth. Pelissero shared the news on January 8 via X.
Corey Clement Best Known For Eagles Tenure
Clement made appearances in three games for the Cardinals during the current season, exclusively contributing on special teams. In the 2022 season with Arizona, he stepped into an offensive role during the Week 18 season finale against the San Francisco 49ers due to an injury to James Conner. In that game, Clement recorded eight carries for 23 yards and a touchdown, along with three receptions for 25 yards.
In the 2021 season with the Cowboys, the 29-year-old running back participated in all 17 games, having been signed and released by the New York Giants before the season began. He primarily played a special teams role, being on the field for 61% of special teams snaps and only 6% of offensive snaps.
Throughout his lone season with Dallas, Clement contributed with four tackles, 33 carries for 140 yards, and six receptions for 29 receiving yards, including one touchdown.
While Clement has moved between teams in recent years, he is most recognized for his four-year stint with the Philadelphia Eagles. Notably, he played a significant role in the Eagles’ Super Bowl LII victory over the New England Patriots, leading the team in receiving with four catches for 100 receiving yards and a touchdown.
One of his standout moments was during the Eagles’ memorable “Philly Special” play, where Clement handed off to Trey Burton, resulting in a touchdown pass to Nick Foles on fourth-and-goal. Reflecting on the play during an interview with Rich Eisen in February 2018, Clement expressed his initial concern about a potential high snap but was ultimately thrilled with the outcome, turning around only to find Nick Foles with the ball, describing the experience as “pretty cool.”
Would the Cowboys Seek Reunion With Corey Clement?
A potential reunion between Corey Clement and the Dallas Cowboys seems unlikely. Given Clement’s recent focus on a special teams role, similar to his tenure with the Cowboys, it’s improbable that the team would allocate a roster spot for a utility player.
Rico Dowdle, who returned to play in the season finale against the Washington Commanders after missing Week 17 due to an ankle injury, appears to be back in the mix. Additionally, the Cowboys did express interest in Dalvin Cook before he ultimately signed with the Baltimore Ravens. However, Cook, a four-time Pro Bowl back, could have served as a valuable complement to Tony Pollard as the primary backup.
Unless there is an injury to Pollard or one of the other backup running backs, it is expected that the Cowboys will maintain their current roster without making significant changes.
