Like several other defensive stars across the NFL, Jadeveon Clowney is entering the final season of his rookie contract. The star defensive end is not holding out from training camp, however, and it sounds like he won’t be getting a new deal before the start of the 2018 season.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that Clowney is expected to play out the final year of his contract, with the Texans likely keeping a close eye on his health.
As teams plot out their contract extensions, one player expected to play out the final year of his deal is #Texans pass-rusher Jadeveon Clowney, I’m told. Barring a significant change, Houston will face the decision next offseason. His health may be as important as production.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 27, 2018
Aaron Donald and Khalil Mack — two other defensive linemen who were selected in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft — did not report to training camp this week. Clowney’s situation is a bit unique in that he has battled injuries throughout his first four NFL seasons, so he may have slightly less leverage and more motivation to prove he can stay healthy.
There were several reports throughout the offseason that made it seem as though Clowney and the Texans were making good progress with negotiations, and it’s possible that is why Clowney is not holding out.
