2019 NFL Free Agency News: Houston Texans Place Franchise Tag On Jadeveon Clowney

According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Jadeveon Clowney will be keeping his talents in Houston for the 2019 season, as the team used its franchise tag on the first overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft.

The Texans have confirmed the move:

Obviously it remains to be seen if Clowney will remain with the Texans beyond 2019, but tagging him gives Brian Gaine a little bit more time to work out a long-term deal that makes sense for both parties. Clowney’s talent has always been evident, but perhaps the Texans still have some reservations about giving $18 million a year (or more)for several years to someone who has never had double-digit sacks and who has only played sixteen games once in his career.

Perhaps one more “make or break” year will do Clowney and the team some good. JD can prove that he’s worth the money (or even raise his value even higher, perhaps closer to the Khalil Mack or Aaron Donald level he surely wants to attain) while the Texans can make themselves feel better about giving up that money in the first place. That sounds like a win-win to me.