Back on March 4, the Houston Texans made a smart decision. That decision was to assign their annual franchise tag to pass rusher, Jadeveon Clowney. Clowney, the number one overall pick in 2014, has not yet signed the franchise tender as he awaits a long-term contract. Time is of the essence for the two sides, however, as they only have until July 15 to come to an agreement. If no deal is reached by that date, Clowney will be forced to play out 2019 on the tag.
Houston Texans, Jadeveon Clowney Seem Far Apart
Though there has not been much news or drama surrounding Clowney’s negotiations with the Texans, it does not appear that the two sides have had much contact as of late, either. As a result of that, it’s unclear exactly where the two sides are in those negotiations. So, what could be the hold-up?
Houston has made it clear that it is not in any rush to sign Clowney long-term just yet. While that is all fine and dandy, Houston is also wasting time — and money. Clowney has been eligible for an extension since the final regular season game of his third season in the NFL, the 2016 season. Since the conclusion of that season, Houston has chosen to exercise Clowney’s fifth-year contract option for 2018, and the franchise tag for 2019. These decisions have made Clowney more and more expensive. Additionally, Houston using the franchise tag once again in 2020 remains an option.
The hold-up could be something other than Houston’s patience in the matter, however. Perhaps Clowney could be comfortable with where he is and is waiting for the market for pass rushers to grow even greater. Regardless, Clowney is in a great situation, as young, star pass rushers nowadays rarely sign contracts that are worth less than $100 million in total value. Let’s look at some contracts that Clowney may be using as some sort of baseline for his anticipated deal from the Texans.
- Khalil Mack‘s six-year, $141 million deal with the Chicago Bears.
- Demarcus Lawrence‘s five-year, $105 million deal with the Dallas Cowboys.
- Trey Flowers‘ five-year, $90 million deal with the Detroit Lions.
- Aaron Donald‘s six-year, $135 million deal with the Los Angeles Rams.
Why Clowney Deserves a Massive Deal
Any player who’s taken number one overall in any draft will face extremely high expectations in their rookie season. Clowney was no exception. The 26-year-old had a disappointing inaugural NFL season, as he only managed to play in four games due to injury. Clowney’s second year was a little better, as he appeared in 13 games and started nine, but only recorded 4.5 sacks.
In 2016, however, Clowney was able to see the field consistently and provide the Texans with the production they expect from him. Clowney started all 14 games he appeared in that year, recording 52 total tackles, six sacks, one forced fumble and two passes defended. Clowney built upon his promising 2016 campaign by increasing his numbers all across the board in 2017. He started all 16 games in 2017, tallying 59 total tackles, 9.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, two passes defended, and one defensive touchdown.
In 2018, Clowney appeared in 15 games and started 14, notching 47 total tackles, nine sacks, one forced fumble, three fumble recoveries, and one pass defended. Despite a slow start to his career, Clowney has been consistent and productive playing opposite J.J. Watt on Houston’s front seven, being named to the Pro Bowl in each of the past three seasons. Clowney can line up all over the front seven, playing both linebacker and defensive line, which takes a lot of pressure off of players like Watt and Whitney Mercilus. Houston needs to stop wasting time and money and make it a priority to retain one of their most key defensive pieces.
