Clowney hopes for a long-term extension
Now that Pro Bowl outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney’s contract has expired, the Texans hope to secure his services for the future.
Clowney shares that sentiment. A former top overall pick from South Carolina, Clowney played under a $12.306 million fifth-year club option this season and is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in March. He recorded nine sacks and was named to his third Pro Bowl.
His play is expected to prompt the Texans to try to lock in Clowney, 25, to a long-term contract extension. Failing in that goal or perhaps wanting to see more from Clowney, the Texans are expected to designate him their franchise player.
“I think very highly of him,” coach Bill O'Brien said. “I think he’s a disruptive player. This is where the business side comes in. Jadeveon is a big part of what we’ve done here. We’re going to work hard to try to get something done.”
Clowney recorded nine sacks this season and 9½ two seasons ago. He has been named to three consecutive Pro Bowls and has 29 career sacks and five forced fumbles, erasing durability concerns that dogged him at the start of his career.
“Of course I want to come back,” Clowney said. “I promise to the Texans and whoever else is watching that I’m going to be a much better, improved player next season.”
Clowney’s contract status isn’t his immediate focus because of the disappointment surrounding a playoff loss to the Colts. But he is contemplating his future.
“That’s very important, because that makes me more confident knowing where you’re going to be,” Clowney said. “As a football player, I love Houston. Of course I want to be here for the rest of my career.”
DC Crennel expected back
Veteran defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel is expected to return for the 2019 season, according to Texans coach Bill O’Brien.
Crennel, 71, is a five-time Super Bowl champion as an assistant coach. He also is a former head coach for the Browns and Chiefs.
“Yes, I definitely do,” O'Brien said when asked if he thought Crennel would be back. “RAC, he’s been such a great coach for us here.”
Crennel moved back into the defensive coordinator role this past season for the AFC South champions after spending one year as an assistant head coach before Mike Vrabel left the defensive coordinator position to coach the Titans.
“I lean on RAC,” O’Brien said.
Thomas’ future is unresolved
With his surgically repaired torn Achilles tendon propped up behind him, veteran receiver Demaryius Thomas looks at an uncertain future.
Although the 31-year-old fivetime Pro Bowl selection would like to be back with the Texans, it will take him roughly six months to rehab the injury.
And his contract would need to be adjusted, as he’s due a non-guaranteed $14 million base salary next year.
Whether the Texans would need Thomas with the healthy return of Will Fuller and Keke Coutee working in tandem with
All-Pro DeAndre Hopkins is another question.
“It’s up in the air,” Thomas said. “I had a tough injury. I am 31 now. A couple of guys are coming back, like Will and Keke.
“My main priority right now is getting back healthy. I can still play, man. I’m not thinking about retirement.
“I just don’t know where it will be.”
Saying goodbye to Greenbrier
The Texans aren’t planning to return to West Virginia for training camp in 2019.
The Texans had a third-year option to hold training camp at The Greenbrier after spending the past two camps at the luxury resort, but Bill O’Brien said camp is expected to return to Houston. He said that move isn’t official, but he will talk to chief operating officer Cal McNair about it.
“It’s trending in the direction of being in Houston,” O'Brien said. “That’s not a confirmation, but I do believe it’ll be here in Houston.”
CB Johnson medically cleared
In the wake of a frustrating and scary bout with concussions, cornerback Kevin Johnson says he’s been medically cleared and will play next season.
Johnson was placed on injured reserve after suffering his second concussion of the season against the Patriots on Sept. 9.
“They told me I’m cleared, good to go, and I’m in great shape moving forward,” Johnson said. “I’m feeling good. I’m going to be ready to go next season.”
The Texans exercised a $9.06 million fifth-year option for Johnson, 26, for the 2019 season that is guaranteed for injury only. It becomes fully guaranteed if he’s on the roster on the first day of the 2019 league year.
Colvin’s season a disappointment
It wasn’t the kind of individual season cornerback Aaron Colvin envisioned when he joined the Texans on a four-year, $34 million contract that included $18 million guaranteed.
Colvin had hoped to make a big contribution, but it never happened after he arrived as the most expensive Texans free agent.
The former Jaguars starter was a healthy scratch for a playoff loss to the Colts. He was limited to 10 games and two starts due to an ankle injury and losing ground to other players on the depth chart.
”I’m pretty disappointed with how it went on the field,” Colvin said. “I always come back strong.”
Colvin had 29 tackles and one pass defensed for the Texans, but his injury affected his season.
“Not to make an excuse for him, but tough one to come back from,” coach Bill O’Brien said. “It was an ankle injury, and I’m not sure that he ever fully recovered. We felt like we went with the 46 guys that were the healthiest and the most ready to go.”