The Houston Texans have designated outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney as their franchise player before a Tuesday NFL deadline to use the $15.443 million linebacker tag, the team announced Monday.
The Texans have been adamant about wanting to sign Clowney to a lucrative long-term extension. But no financial between the team and player appears in the offing.
“We have placed the franchise tag on Jadeveon Clowney, but our goal is to continue to work with his representation on a long-term contract,” Texans general manager Brian Gaine said. “This gives us both an opportunity to continue to do so.”
Clowney, who turned 26 last month, will be in his sixth season with the Texans after he was the No. 1 pick in the 2014 NFL Draft.
The South Carolina product has made the Pro Bowl in each of the last three seasons. In 2018, he notched 47 tackles and nine sacks in 15 games. Clowney also recovered three fumbles.
