The Houston Texans are committed to keeping Jadeveon Clowney with the team for at least one more year.
That much is certain considering that the team placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on Clowney Monday. It locks the edge defender into a one-year, fully guaranteed contract for the 2019 season, although the two sides can agree to a long-term deal between now and July 15.
The Texans have franchised OLB Jadeveon Clowney.
— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) March 4, 2019
Jadeveon Clowney Gets Franchise Tag From Houston Texans
Houston classified Clowney as a “DE/OLB” for the purposes of the tag. As a result, it’s uncertain as to how much he’ll make in 2019. If he’s designated as a defensive end, he’ll take in $17.128 million whereas he’ll make $15.443 million if ultimately classified as a linebacker. Of course, this is contingent on the two sides not coming to an agreement on a new deal.
Clowney had a great season in 2018, as he was selected to his third consecutive Pro Bowl. He accumulated 47 tackles, including 16 for a loss, and nine sacks. He also scored a touchdown on a fumble recovery.
During his five-year tenure in Houston, Clowney was selected to three Pro Bowls and was an All-Pro in 2016. He had 205 tackles, 29 sacks, five forced fumbles, six fumble recoveries, 67 quarterback hits, 64 tackles for loss, and two defensive touchdowns.
However, his successful career in Houston got off to a pretty rocky start. After being selected with the first overall pick in 2014, he sustained a torn meniscus in his season debut and as a result, only appeared in four games in his rookie season. His 2015 season was underwhelming as he continued to battle back from the injury, and at the time he was considered a bust. 2016 was Clowney’s breakout season and he has been a dominant force as an edge rusher on the Texans defense ever since.
Clowney was considered the best prospect in his high school class, and he was heavily recruited. He decided to stay in his home state and played his college ball at South Carolina, where he was a unanimous All-American and the SEC Defensive Player of the Year in 2012.
After three standout seasons for the Gamecocks, he declared for the 2014 NFL Draft, where he was taken by the Texans with the first overall pick. He joined a defense led by J.J. Watt. Over his time with the team, Clowney and Watt became one of the best pass-rushing duos in the NFL. While listed as an outside linebacker, Clowney has played a significant amount at defensive end as well.
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