Clowney’s new deal ‘a work in progress’
WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W. V. — Although no contract extension is imminent for Pro Bowl pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney in what shapes up as a complicated negotiation, Texans general manager Brian Gaine hasn’t given up hope on hammering out a blockbuster deal.
There’s a deadline afoot as Gaine has maintained a longstanding team policy to not negotiate with players during the regular season.
The Texans are thrilled Clowney has returned to full health after missing the entire offseason on the heels of undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery in January.
“Yes, JD’s No. 1 focus was to get healthy and our No. 1 focus was to get him healthy,” Gaine said as the Texans arrived for training camp Wednesday at The Greenbrier. “He is now. We’re hoping that will produce dividends for us during training camp because he is going to be available to us to be out there and be with his teammates.
“These things take time. It’s a work in progress. It’s amica- ble. They’re developing. It just takes a little time with contracts as such.”
Entering his fifth NFL season and due a $12.306 million fifth-year club option, the former top overall draft pick from South Carolina has come a long way as a player in terms of maturity and durability.
Although both sides have expressed a mutual desire to extend their business relationship on a long-term basis, a new deal isn’t necessarily in the offing at this time or before the start of the regular season.
“I want to be here, too,” Clowney said earlier in the offseason.
“Hopefully, they lock me in. I want to be here forever. I know it will come soon. It would mean a lot.”
This is Gaine’s first season as general manager. Like former general manager Rick Smith, he doesn’t want the potential distraction of a contract dispute during the season.
“My policy on that is once the season starts, I don’t want any negotiations,” Gaine said. “I want the players to focus solely on the field.”
RB Foreman not ready yet
The long-term medical outlook for running back D’Onta Foreman is encouraging as he’s expected to make a full recovery from his ruptured Achilles tendon.
Whether the former University of Texas standout is ready for the start of the regular season remains up in the air.
That isn’t a significant change for the Texas City native, who is on the active physically unable to perform list.
Considering that Foreman got hurt in late November against the Arizona Cardinals while scoring a touchdown and the severity of the injury, this is a normal amount of recovery time.
‘Work in progress right now, recovering from his injury,” general manager Brian Gaine said. “We need a little bit more time to determine if he’s going to be ready for the season. We’re not there at that stage.
“We think he’s getting better. He’s improving, but time will tell whether he’s available to us when we kick off.”
Foreman wasn’t entirely satisfied with how he performed as a rookie.
The former third-round draft pick is determined to build on what he started last season.
“My whole thing is to keep working and not be complacent and not settle for last season,” Foreman said. “Last season was good, but I want to be better than that and go higher and reach higher expectations for myself. That’s why I got to put last year behind me.”
The Texans are hoping for a big second season from Foreman working in tandem with starter Lamar Miller.
Foreman rushed for 327 yards and two touchdowns as a rookie.
“I’m very excited,” Foreman said. “That’s the only thing that I’ve been working for, just trying to get back out there with my teammates. I miss being around those guys out there on the field and competing with those guys.
“I’ve been doing it on my own, competing with myself. But I’m ready to get back out there with them. When I do, I’ll give it my all and wherever that leads me.”
Hal placed on illness list
The Texans placed safety Andre Hal was placed on the active non-football illness list.
Hal was diagnosed with lymphoma in the spring.
“I know how to beat it, and I’m definitely going to beat it,” Hal said this summer during his annual football camp.
Meanwhile, rookie offensive tackle Martinas Rankin, tight end Jevoni Robinson, running back D’Onta Foreman and cornerback Jermaine Kelly were placed on the active physically unable to perform list.
Rankin injured his foot during a rookie minicamp and underwent surgery.