Jadeveon Clowney has yet to report to Houston Texans training camp or practice and, according to head coach Bill O’Brien, nobody knows when that will change.
The Texans hit Clowney with the franchise tag in the offseason, but since he hasn’t yet signed the tender, the team can’t pretend to make him do anything. Presently, he’s just not under contract with any squad, Houston just controls his rights.
Quick Reminder. Jadeveon Clowney does not have a contract at this moment. If a trade were to take place, he would have to agree to the destination. He controls where he plays in 2019. #Texans
— patrick (@PatDStat) August 13, 2019
O’Brien, who always seems confused anyway, has no idea when Clowney will show up.
“I don’t know. I really don’t,” O’Brien said. “I know he (Clowney) is working hard. He’s out there working out … he’s in shape. He’s doing everything he needs to do to be ready to play. But ultimately that’s up to him (when he reports). When he wants to show up, he’ll show up, and he’ll be ready to go. He’s a professional. When that happens, we’ll move forward with that. But I have no idea when he’ll be here. I can’t predict that.”
Could the team be looking at trading him?
It would likely be Clowney’s preferred scenario. There doesn’t seem to be a lot of passion in the building to keep the two-time Pro Bowl pass-rusher with the team past this season. His production has been good, but it’s understandable why the Texans wouldn’t want to pay him top-tier money. He’s not once produced double-digit sacks in his five seasons, though he’s gotten close.
Reportedly, Clowney is planning on signing and reporting after the team’s third preseason game. The outside linebacker is due $15.967 million guaranteed on the franchise tag. If his grievance to be designated as a defensive end goes through, he’ll earn more than that, $17.128 million. Either way, he’s obviously willing to play on it. He’s just not willing to go through a hot summer listening to O’Brien barking to get it.
I’ll be surprised if Jadeveon Clowney isn’t traded. They need an upgrade at LT to protect Deshaun Watson. LTs don’t grow on trees so I have no idea who it would be at this time of year.
— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) August 13, 2019
The good news for a team looking to trade for Clowney is that he could likely be had for a second rounder. The bad news is, he’ll still need a monster contract once the trade is through and likely wants Demarcus Lawrence and Frank Clark money, $20 million-plus a year.
