Clowney isn’t rushing things
Deadline passes to sign a franchise player, but team doesn’t have plans to trade him
The Texans are at a stalemate with Jadeveon Clowney heading into camp next week after Monday’s deadline to sign a franchise player passed without any movement.
The team also has no plans now to trade Clowney, who was the subject of aborted discussions earlier in the offseason.
Under the NFL collective bargaining agreement rules governing franchise players, Clowney now can’t be signed to a new contract this season.
As an unsigned franchise player, Clowney is not required to report for camp and can miss the entire preseason without financial penalty.
Clowney, however, is expected to report and sign his $15.967 million franchise tender before the start of the regular season Sept. 9 against the New Orleans Saints, according to league sources not authorized to speak publicly.
The cost for elite pass rushers and run-stoppers keeps going up, including a six-year, $141 million
deal for the Chicago Bears’ Khalil Mack and a six-year, $135 million contract for Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald, the NFL Defensive Player of the Year. The most recent deals for top pass rushers include Dallas Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence’s five-year, $105 million contract that includes $65 million guaranteed, a $25 million signing bonus and an average of $21 million per year, and Detroit Lions defensive end Trey Flowers’ five-year, $90 million contract that includes $56 million guaranteed.
“Of course, I want to come back,” Clowney said when asked at the end of the season about the franchise tag. “I promise to the Texans and whoever else is watching that I’m going to be a much better, improved player next season. I haven’t been thinking about a contract.
“If I come back and play well like I know I’m going to, contract will take care of itself. I’m going to work on my craft and work on my game. That’s what I’m worrying about.”
Clowney has been training away from the team with NBA superstar LeBron James’ trainer, David Alexander, and appears to be in excellent shape based on his workout videos he has posted on social media.
“I have every belief and trust that JD is working on his own and getting ready for whenever he does decide to show up,” Texans coach Bill O’Brien said earlier in the off seson. “JD has played good football for us. He knows what it takes to be ready for training camp and stuff like that.”
Devoting himself to increasing his knowledge of rushing the passer, Clowney participated in retired nine-time Pro Bowl selection Julius Peppers’ inaugural pass rushing camp last week in Miami, Fla.
At the camp, Clowney interacted with Peppers, who has 159½ career sacks; elite pass rushing specialist coach Chuck Smith, a retired former Atlanta Falcon who has 58½ career sacks; retired Indianapolis Colts Pro Bowl pass rusher Robert Mathis, who has 123 career sacks; and Under Armour AllAmerican defensive line coach Nathan O’Neal.
Clowney made a strong impression, by all accounts.
“I thought JD was a humble guy who is really open to learning new stuff,” said Smith, who has known Clowney for several years. “He really wants to be great and improve his pass-rush technique. He’s a really good person and he deserves the success because he’s putting in the work. I think he’s going to have a good year. He has added some signature pass rushing moves.
“I think this is really awesome. What Peppers is trying to do is prepare them and help get them ready for the season. It’s always special when you’re able to pass on some knowledge.”
Clowney has 18½ sacks over the past two seasons.
“Sometimes, it takes different players different times to take that next step,” Smith said. “Everybody matures at a different rate. His potential is off the charts. Now, he’s putting in a different kind of work with his skills. The pass rush training is going to pay big dividends and increase his pass rushing IQ. This is a different way of looking at pass rushing, so it resonates more. He’s around guys who have had success and are proven. I’m really excited about Jadeveon.”
On social media, Clowney appeared to enjoy the interaction during a video with Smith.
“He worked me,” Clowney said .”I learned at the top from one of the best, Chuck Smith, the guru.”