Texans & Jadeveon Clowney Making “A Lot Of Progress” On Contract Extension

Albert Breer reports that the word around the Texans is that they’re making “a lot of progress” with OLB Jadeveon Clowney on a mega-extension.

• Breer says that Clowney’s next contract will set the floor for Raiders LB Khalil Mack and Rams DT Aaron Donald.
• Aaron Wilson reports that no deal between the Texans and Clowney is considered imminent or expected in the near future. However, Wilson adds that there’s a positive outlook regarding contract talks and a deal is considered to be an “eventuality” this offseason.

Clowney mentioned last Friday that he’s hoping to get a long-term extension in place to keep him in Houston for the foreseeable future.

“I want to be here. Hopefully, they lock me in and I’ll be here forever,” Clowney said, per Mark Berman. “It would mean a lot. It’s something I’ve always dreamed of.I want to finish my career here.”

Clowney, 25, is a former No. 1 overall pick of the Texans back in 2014. He was in the final year of his four-year, $22.272 million contract when the Texans picked up his fifth-year option last year.

Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reported that Clowney has been classified as an outside linebacker, which drops his fifth-year option figure from $13.846 million down to $12.306 million for the 2018 season and comes out to a savings of $1.54 million.

Clowney will be an unrestricted free agent in 2019.

In 2017, Clowney appeared in 16 games for the Texans and recorded 59 tackles, 9.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, two recoveries with one being returned for a touchdown, and two pass defenses for the Texans. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 14 edge defender out of 108 qualifying players.

We’ll have more regarding a new deal for Clowney as the news is available.