The Houston Texans and linebacker Jadeveon Clowney will not reach an agreement on a long-term deal ahead of Monday’s deadline to sign players who have been applied the franchise tag, ESPN reported.
Clowney still has yet to sign his franchise tender, but if he does, he’ll make $15.9 million in 2019.
The first overall pick in 2014, Clowney overcame a slow start to his career and is now coming off his third straight Pro Bowl appearance. He had nine sacks last season.
The Texans have not been able to sign Clowney to a long-term deal, and there has been a disagreement whether the 26-year-old is a linebacker or a defensive end. Though he was tagged as a linebacker — worth almost $2 million less on a franchise tag — Clowney plays most of his snaps at defensive end, per ESPN.
Houston, meanwhile, does not have a general manager after the team fired Brian Gaine last month. ESPN reported recently the Texans do not plan to fill the position until after the 2019 season, leaving Gaine’s former tasks to be spread across other members of the front office.
If the Texans and Clowney do not strike a long-term deal, he is due to become an unrestricted free agent after 2019.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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