Clowney eager to stick around
Pro Bowl pass rusher expected to receive blockbuster contract prior to 2018 season
Jadeveon Clowney and Texans management share an ambition.
The two-time Pro Bowl pass rusher and the AFC South franchise are both motivated to extend their business relationship for several years to come.
Entering his fifth NFL season and due a $12.306 million club option, the former top overall pick is expected to land a blockbuster contract extension during this offseason. Clowney has emerged as one of the most disruptive run-stoppers and pass rushers in the game. The Texans want to reward him, and Clowney is excited about the future.
No deal is imminent. The Texans and Clowney’s representatives have not launched formal contract negotiations, according to league sources not authorized to speak publicly. However, they spoke at the NFL scouting combine and are on the same page about a mutual desire to extend their business relationship on a long-term basis during this offseason. It’s regarded as matter of when, not if.
“I want to be here, too,” Clowney said recently. “Hopefully, they lock me in. I want to be here forever. I know it will come soon. It would mean a lot.
“It would be great, something I always dreamed of. I don’t want to leave this team. I’ve been here since the beginning. I want to stay here. I want to finish my career here, so I’m looking forward to that. Hopefully, they lock me in.”
Clowney could become the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL, which would entail topping the six-year, $114.1 million contract of Denver Broncos pass rusher Von Miller. That deal includes $70 million guaranteed and an average annual salary of $19.016 million.
Ideally, the Texans would like to get something done with Clowney before the season starts or even prior to training camp.
“That’s something that we’re currently evaluating right now, about the feasibility of that,” Texans general manager Brian Gaine said during the NFL scouting combine. “It’s certainly something we have interest in.”
The presence of Clowney was referenced by newly acquired safety Tyrann “Honey Badger” Mathieu as one of the reasons he chose to sign a one-year, $7 million contract with the Texans. The admiration is mutual between the two former Southeastern Conference stars.
“I’m happy to have that guy, a big-time player, another playmaker for the defense,” Clowney said. “Honey Badger, he’s the man.”
The Texans plummeted to last in the NFL in points allowed per game last season as they finished 4-12 with defensive standouts J.J. Watt and Whitney Mercilus and quarterback Deshaun Watson lost to season-ending injuries.
It could be an entirely different story this fall when the Texans get back Watt and Mercilus to work in tandem with Clowney in front of an upgraded secondary that includes Mathieu and former Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Aaron Colvin.
“That’s what we’re trying to do,” Clowney said. “Everybody is trying to get back healthy and come back and dominate this year. They’re looking for a big defense this year, too. We know that’s what y’all expect. We’re trying to give that to y’all.”
Clowney said he has recovered from an arthroscopic knee surgery that prompted him to withdraw from the Pro Bowl.
“I’ll be ready to go,” Clowney said
The Texans should be supremely motivated after falling to last place on the heels of two consecutive AFC South Division titles.
“We’re definitely hungry,” Clowney said. “We battled regardless of the score and outcome. Hats off to the guys in that locker room with the injuries that we had; we went out there and battled. I know we’re going to come back next year stronger than ever. We’re hungry. Hey, be on the lookout, baby. We’re coming.”
Clowney started every game last season for the first time, further distancing himself from the injury bug he dealt with at the start of his NFL career. He recorded a career-high 91⁄2 sacks. Over the last two seasons, Clowney has totaled 15 1⁄2 sacks and 111 tackles.
“I’ve got a lot of improvement,” Clowney said. “I’m still getting healthier. I’m still getting better. It’s only up for me.”