There had been plenty of hope that the Houston Texans and defensive end Jadeveon Clowney would come to terms on a new deal. Unfortunately, their failure to do so by Monday's deadline could result in an extended absence from the Texans' star.

According to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, Clowney may very well choose to sit out of training camp:

Texans and franchised DE/LB Jadeveon Clowney officially did not reach a long-term deal before today's 4 pm ET deadline. He now is expected to miss a good portion of training camp. Next time Texans see Clowney could be late August or early September.

The prospect of Clowney missing training camp is hardly far-fetched. He had hoped to receive a lucrative new deal after Houston placed a franchise tag on him this offseason. He is now slated to make nearly $16 million for the 2019 NFL season and is likely not looking to risk any potential injury until it starts.

Clowney finished the 2018 campaign with 47 tackles, nine sacks, and 16 tackles for loss en route to his third straight Pro Bowl. Although he has split time between lining up at defensive end and linebacker, he is undoubtedly looking to get paid like a premier edge rusher.

As a result, he could be aiming for a deal similar to that of his fellow pass rushers from the 2014 NFL Draft in Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald and Chicago Bears defensive end Khalil Mack.

Although Clowney has proven to be a rare talent in his own right, his career has paled in comparison to that of Donald and Mack thus far. Regardless, it is safe to say that the Texans are anxiously awaiting his return.