Texans news: Houston still expected to place franchise tag on Jadeveon Clowney

The Houston Texans and Jadeveon Clowney are still hoping to reach an agreement on a deal that will prevent him from becoming an unrestricted free agent.

The Houston Texans and Jadeveon Clowney are still hoping to reach an agreement on a deal that will prevent him from becoming an unrestricted free agent this summer.

According to Aaron Wilson of The Houston Chronicle, the Texans are expected to give Clowney a franchise tag worth $15.443 million by this Tuesday’s deadline.

Status quo between Texans and Pro Bowl outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney, still expected to receive $15.443 million franchise tag designation as Tuesday NFL deadline approaches. Tag prevents him from being UFA, time to continue negotiations, prior to July 15 NFL deadline.

— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 3, 2019

It’s certainly an option,” Texans general manager Brian Gaine said at the NFL scouting combine Thursday when asked about the franchise tag. “It’s not the priority, but it’s certainly an option.”

Houston will look to hash something out with Clowney's agent, Bus Cook, this week to discuss a long-term deal.

Clowney’s tag would allow the Texans to negotiate with him until a July 15 NFL deadline — allowing the organization a little more breathing room to plan on which direction to pursue with the Pro Bowl linebacker.

However, the team will also be working to finalize deals for safety Tyrann Mathieu and cornerback Kareem Jackson ahead of the free agency period.

“All those players are entering free agent status years,” Gaine said. “We won't publicly discuss contract negotiations. All good players, all significant contributors, lot of discovery this week. We'll have conversations with their representation this week, so we'll make an effort to keep all of our good players, keep our core players intact.

“Those guys are valuable guys, so time will tell. Those are works in progress.”