One of the most discussed topics and highly-debated situations for the Houston Texans thus of season is the future of Jadeveon Clowney with the team. Entering the 2019 season as a potential unrestricted free agent, Clowney is easily one of the top two free agents set to hit the market this off-season. Clowney has been considered part of the nucleus of the organization by general manager Brian Gaine since before the start of the 2018 season.
The organization remains high on Clowney and is determined to lock him up for the near future, leaving the franchise tag in their back pocket just in case it is needed to ensure he is in Houston for the upcoming season. The Texans attempted to lock up Clowney with a long-term deal prior to the start of the 2018 season but those talks stalled out before the season began.
As the former number one overall selection of the Bill O’Brien era in Houston, Clowney has dealt with a knee injury from which many players do not return, to garnering All-Pro and Pro Bowl selections as one of the team’s top defenders.
Bill O’Brien discussed Clowney’s situation with the Texans:
“I would just tell you that I’ll leave anything that has to do with free agency or contracts and things like that, I’ll leave that to Brian (Gaine),” O’Brien said of Clowney’s negotiations. “I think he’s going to be here tomorrow. We’re just in that process. It’s a long process. It’s a process that involves free agency, draft, involves evaluating your own team and it takes a long time. That’s basically what we’re in the middle of right now.”
There have once again been questions regarding Clowney’s work ethic via the media, and one report called the talented defensive end not a “worker bee” inside the building. O’Brien was quick to defend Clowney and his efforts with the team over the years.
“I don’t comment on what other people say,” O’Brien countered. “I’ve had a really good experience with JD (Jadeveon Clowney). He’s played good football for us. He’s a good person. I’ve enjoyed coaching him. Again, it’s the business side of things. I’ll leave that to Brian (Gaine). Brian can talk to you about that tomorrow, but I have nothing but good things to say about JD.”
Texans general manager Brian Gaine discussed the ongoing situation with Clowney and his future with the Texans.
“We won’t publicly discuss contract negotiations,” Gaine explained. “A lot of discovery this week we will have conversations with their representation this week.”
Gaine continues to have open lines of communications with Clowney's representation, and is keeping the franchise tag in their organization's back pocket if they two sides can not strike a long-term agreement.
"It is certainly an option," Gaine said of the franchise tag. "It's not the priority but it is certainly an option."
The Texans are keeping the Clowney saga close to their vests but one thing is for certain, the franchise wants him with the organization for the long haul.