Texans coach Bill O'Brien addressed the ongoing trade rumors involving Jadeveon Clowney, declaring Houston will make a move based on what's best for the team.
"(It's) always about what's best for your team," O'Brien told reporters Friday. "What's best for your team from a value standpoint, monetarily, skill set-wise, production-wise – all those different things. It's always going to be well thought-out, and it's always going to be in the name of what is best for the team – is this the best decision for the team?
Clowney hasn't signed the franchise tag and is willing to miss regular-season games over his contract situation. He's upset the team is listening to offers for him, NFL Network reported earlier this week, citing unidentified sources close to Clowney.
"Any time he wants to come in and sign the tender, we can sit down and talk," O'Brien said. "Again, it's all about what's best for the team. So, right now, having these conversations, they can't even take place because he has to come in and sign the tender."
When asked if O'Brien wants Clowney to sign the tag, the coach responded: "It's not a matter of want. It's a matter of a difference of opinion in value relative to the contract.
"That's really where it's at. It has nothing to do with want. ... And again, until he signs the tender, we really don't have a whole lot to talk about."
O'Brien is aware that Clowney could opt to sit out regular-season games, but he said that's something they'll address when the time comes.
"We're not at that point right now," O'Brien said. "At the end of the day, if that's what he decides to do, I would say the ball is in his court on that one."
The Texans have had several conversations about Clowney with other teams, including the Dolphins, Eagles, Seahawks, Jets and Redskins, according to the Houston Chronicle. The Dolphins are rumored to be the front-runners, but it's not clear whether Houston will move the pass-rusher before the start of the season.
"He's a good player," O'Brien said. "He's a productive player. He's played well for us. And he's a good football player."
Houston selected Clowney with the top overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. He has recorded 29 sacks over his five seasons.