Jadeveon Clowney might not be with the Texans when the season starts.
The Houston Chronicle's John McClain reports he would "be surprised" if the Texans don't trade Clowney before the start of the season.
The reason is two-fold: for one, Clowney still has not reported to training camp after the team placed the franchise tag on him this offseason, and secondly, Houston is in need of a left tackle to protect quarterback Deshaun Watson. The 23-year-old was sacked 62 times last season — more than any other quarterback in the NFL.
I’ll be surprised if Jadeveon Clowney isn’t traded. They need an upgrade at LT to protect Deshaun Watson. LTs don’t grow on trees so I have no idea who it would be at this time of year.
— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) August 13, 2019
Houston knew it needed help at the tackle position before the season started and it tried to address the situation in the draft by taking Tytus Howard out of Alabama State in the first round.
However, that selection was widely panned because Howard is seen as a developmental prospect who has not been playing the position for long. The Texans also took Max Scharping out of Northern Illinois in the second round, but clearly the team doesn't believe it has a solution at the position to start the year.
It's pretty clear the Texans didn't even like the picks because they fired general manager Brian Gaine soon after the draft. Now the team appears to be in the market for another tackle.
McClain is as tied in as any reporter to any team in the NFL. He knows what he's talking about. So Houston is almost certainly open to dealing Clowney to see what it can get for him.
The Texans' relationship with Clowney has already been under strain this offseason as they franchise tagged him as a linebacker when he plays most of his downs at defensive end.
The reason being is Houston would save several million dollars with this designation. This did not sit well with Clowney or his agent and the NFLPA was expected to file a grievance on his behalf for the designation.
This has led many to believe Clowney's days with Houston are numbered and this report from McClain only confirms that.
It should also be noted McClain went on to say he does not see the Texans trading for Redskins disgruntled tackle Trent Williams who has also reportedly requested a trade.
I don’t see Texans trading for LT Trent Williams.
— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) August 13, 2019
Clowney is expected to report to the Texans after the third preseason game if he is not traded first.