Report: Jadeveon Clowney closing in on 5-year extension with Texans
By Lucas Crosby
After a career year, the Houston Texans are looking to extend Jadeveon Clowney to a massive contract.
It has been reported that Jadeveon Clowney and the Texans are getting closer to an agreement on a long-term extension. The South Carolina product amassed a career high in tackles (59) and sacks (9.5) last year with Houston. Jordan Schultz of Yahoo Sports has reported the contract could be a five-year deal worth between $18-$18.5 million per year in guaranteed money.
Clowney is heading into the final year of his rookie contract after Houston picked up the fifth-year option last year. The Texans want to make sure they get a deal done before training camp to lock Clowney up long-term.
In his first few NFL seasons, Clowney battled injury and got off to a slow start. Each year, Clowney has improved on the field and has also stayed much healthier as of late, playing in all 16 games for the first time in his career last season.
Per source, #Texans and Jadeveon Clowney are “close” to a contract extension. @AlbertBreer first reported “a lot of progress” being made. I’m told in the neighborhood of 18-18.5 guaranteed per year, over 5. Little doubt it gets done - by camp at the latest.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) April 5, 2018
He has shown flashes over the last few seasons that lead the Texans to believe he is the future of their defense. Being only 25 years old, Clowney has the potential to continue to improve his skill set while just entering his prime.
If Houston can stay healthy, they could have one of the scariest defenses over the next few seasons. A core of Watt, Clowney, Mercilus, and Mathieu is a group Houston can definitely feel comfortable with going forward.
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Other members of the 2014 draft class will soon be looking for extensions as well. Blake Bortles and Mike Evans already received their extensions from their respective teams. Houston may be looking to sign Clowney before the Raiders pay Khalil Mack and re-set the market. It sounds like a deal is nearly finalized, preventing Clowney from hitting the open market after the 2018 season.