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The Los Angeles Rams and Chicago Bears made quite the investment recently when they made Aaron Donald and Khalil Mack the two highest-paid defensive players in the league. Their lucrative contract extensions have caught the eye of Houston Texans defensive end Jadeveon Clowney.
Clowney is also in pursuit of his next contract. According to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle, he hopes it is similar to that of Donald's and Mack's.
“Always, always,” Clowney said when asked if those contracts provide him with additional motivation. “I came out with them guys. Of course, I want to be up there with them.”
Clowney added that he understands why his situation is different from theirs.
“Timing, it's all about timing in everything about this league,” Clowney said. “Injuries happen. You get paid at a certain time. You hit the market at the right time. They hold out. They got what they deserve. I think those guys deserve those contracts.”
All three players were members of the loaded 2014 NFL Draft. Clowney's physical prowess made him the most highly-touted player in his class. As a result, the Texans wasted no time in selecting him with the No. 1 overall pick. Unfortunately, they have not gotten as much return on their investment as the Rams or Raiders did.
Clowney's career got off to a slow start due to injuries. Fortunately, he has managed to follow through on the hyp over the last two seasons by registering 111 tackles and 15.5 sacks en route to two Pro Bowl selections during that span.
However, his production still pales in comparison to what Donald and Mack have accomplished during that time. While Clowney was finding his footing in the NFL, they were being awarded the last two Defensive Player of the Year awards. That said, he will need to have a monster 2018 NFL season if he hopes to garner the same contract this offseason.
