Jadeveon Clowney is still waiting on his new contract.
According to the Houston Chronicle, which cited unidentified league sources, the star linebacker and the Texans aren't close to negotiating a new deal and aren’t expected to have one done any time soon.
As a result, Clowney will be absent when the team starts its offseason program Monday at NRG Stadium.
Per the NFL collective bargaining agreement, he is not required to attend any offseason activities.
The Texans placed the non-exclusive franchise designation worth $15.967 million on Clowney last month with the intention of eventually working out a long-term deal. He became an unrestricted free agent when the new league year began, but has been vocal about wanting to stay in Houston.
However, the Texans should be prepared to pay. The Bears signed linebacker Khalil Mack to a six-year deal worth $141 million and the Rams locked up their NFL Defensive Player of the Year by inking defensive tackle Aaron Donald to a six-year deal worth $135 million.
Most recently, the Cowboys signed defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence to a five-year, $105 million contract that includes $65 million guaranteed, a $25 million signing bonus and an average salary of $21 million per year.
Clowney, 26, has spent his entire career with the Texans after being selected out of South Carolina with the No. 1 overall pick of the 2014 draft. The All-Pro defender has logged 29 sacks and five forced fumbles en route to three consecutive Pro Bowl selections during his career.