10 NFL stars who must be extended this preseason
By Ian Wharton
Jadeveon Clowney, Edge, Houston Texans
The Houston Texans have one of the healthier cap situations in the league after purging some higher salaries in recent years, and it’s possible they can get even more cap space depending on J.J. Watt’s health. Former No. 1 overall pick Jadeveon Clowney has come into his own in the last two seasons, proving to be a high-end defensive playmaker. The two-time Pro Bowler is a prime candidate to receive an early extension so the Texans can avoid paying the franchise tag game next year.
Clowney’s raw sack numbers are lower than his peers, so he could be more willing to bet on himself in order to reach Olivier Vernon’s market-setting numbers. The Texans would need to admit that his film and impact in the run game is stronger than his numbers, which is fair but unusual for teams in negotiations. Still, the prospect of tagging him for more than $17 million in 2019 isn’t attractive because he’s not worth nearly that much.
The timing of comparable deals is important. His agent should use Danielle Hunter’s new extension as the goal post in negotiations, while the Texans should use the failing contracts of Jason Pierre-Paul, Vernon and Robert Quinn as an excuse to drive his value down. So while there’s little debate that Hunter is more valuable, there’s not a good enough comparable for Clowney to bae his demands off of.
Both sides should be motivated to avoid this being a contract year for Clowney. His injury history, and the steep price of signing an edge defender in free agency is enough for both sides to come together.
Proposed contract extension: Five years, $70 million, $21 million guaranteed.