The Houston Texans host a crucial matchup versus the Indianapolis Colts in the Wild Card this week. However, outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney knows he is playing for much more than postseason success.

Clowney is in the fifth and final year of his rookie contract. According to Kevin Patra of NFL.com, he feels he still has much more room to improve:

“I don't know, I think I can be better,” Clowney said. “I still have a lot to work on. I'm young. I'm 25. I'm just getting better. I'm just really starting to get my groove in this game, learning the game like I need to learn it, but I still have a lot to grow, a lot I can improve. Just keep trying to get better as I get older.”

There has been plenty of speculation regarding Clowney's future in Houston. He saw two of his fellow members of the 2014 NFL Draft class in Aaron Donald and Khalil Mack become the highest-paid defensive players in the league this offseason. The former No. 1 overall pick made it clear that he was hoping to reach the same payday after this season.

Unfortunately, Clowney has yet to perform at the same level as Donald and Mack have. Both players have already won Defensive Player of the Year awards and continue to be the driving forces behind their team's success.

Meanwhile, Clowney finished the 2018 campaign with 9.0 sacks and 16 tackles for loss en route his third Pro Bowl selection. While it was certainly a successful season, his impact pales in comparison to what Donald and Mack did this season. Houston will need to tread carefully if they hope to secure a long-term future with Clowney.