Jadeveon Clowney seems unhappy with the Texans.
The star pass-rusher, who has yet to sign the franchise tag and remains away from the team, is willing to miss regular season games over his contract situation and is upset the team is listening to offers for him, NFL Network reported, citing unidentified sources close to Clowney.
From @NFLTotalAccess: There’s no guarantee Jadeveon Clowney will be back with the #Texans or some other team by Week 1. He’s told several people he‘s not afraid to miss games as he sorts out his future and makes sure he holds the leverage in the meantime by not signing the tag. pic.twitter.com/nbAfOE4H44
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) August 28, 2019
It's been widely reported that the Dolphins are interested in Clowney, and the Houston Chronicle reported that he has met with Miami coach Brian Flores. Clowney, however, prefers to be moved to the Seahawks or Eagles, that report says.
Late Wednesday, the Chronicle advanced that story with a report that the Texans have "worked the phones and have reached out to multiple teams about a potential trade." In addition to the Dolphins, Seahawks and Eagles, the Texans have talked with the Jets and Redskins, according to the report, which cited unidentified sources.
Nothing has advanced, though, and Clowney appears to not only be trying to get a new contract, but also is beginning to take things personally.
Per Garafolo:
"I know a lot of people are looking at this, saying 'Is Jadeveon Clowney really going to punt on $1 million per week and sit out a game, two, three or whatever?' Yeah, at least according to what he has told other people. I have had some conversations with folks who have spoken to Clowney recently and they said he is willing to drag this into the regular season. Now, it's not a contract thing. ... It's more about the fact that he has communicated to people that he is hurt by the fact that the Texans are even entertaining trade offers."
The Texans originally picked Clowney No. 1 overall in the 2014 draft. He has recorded 29 sacks over his five NFL seasons, which have all been spent with Houston.
“Until he comes in and signs the tender, really the ball’s in his court relative to playing for the Texans and all those things, just like it’s been since the beginning of training camp,” Texans coach Bill O’Brien told reporters last weekend. “He’s a franchise player, and so, until he comes and signs the tender, really there’s nothing else to talk about.”
The Texans conclude the preseason Thursday and then face the Saints on Sept. 1 in New Orleans in Week 1.