The Texans are walking a thin line with how they handle Jadeveon Clowney’s contract
For the first time in years, everything seems to be on the rise in Houston. The Texans have found their franchise quarterback in Deshaun Watson, Tyrann Mathieu joined the team to help improve the secondary and the team added Brian Gaine as the new general manager.
However, in typical Texans fashion, they are making some interesting decisions to keep everybody on their toes. After rumors of a reported extension came out, it’s now being reported that the Texans are going to let star Jadeveon Clowney play out the final year of his contract.
This, simply put, is a bad idea. The Texans have a history of botching these types of situations. Look no further than the 2017 offseason for proof when the Texans let star cornerback A.J. Bouye join the Jaguars. It seems Houston has issues signing players to long-term deals if even the slightest red flag appears.
While Clowney has had his fair share of injuries throughout his young career, he’s a proven talent. Clowney is a vital part of the Texans defense and letting him walk after this season would be idiotic on the front office’s part.
Despite missing a large portion of his early seasons with injury, Clowney has started 30 games over the last two years.
At 25, he’s already a two-time Pro Bowler and has recorded 20 sacks. Clowney has vastly improved as each season has gone on with his sack and tackle numbers increasing. Not to mention, when the Texans defense is at full strength (J.J. Watt, Clowney, Mathieu, Whitney Mercilus, Bernardrick McKinney), Clowney will thrive as the attention is not solely on him.
Clowney’s been open about wanting to spend his career in Houston. He’s given his all both on and off the field, become a fan favorite and has established himself as one of the best young defensive players in the league.
So, why are the Texans taking chances?
Despite a troubling injury past, Clowney’s only missed two games in the last two years. Unless there is another legitimate reason as to why the Texans don’t want to re-sign him, the team owes it to Clowney to extend his contract. Otherwise, Houston risks losing Clowney next offseason to a team willing to pay more for his services.