Monday's deadline for franchise-tagged players to sign their long-term contracts came and went without a signature from Jadeveon Clowney, but he won't go down without a fight.
According to ESPN, which cited unidentified league sources, the NFL Players Association is expected to file a grievance against the Texans over the 26-year-old's designation seeking clarification as to whether he is viewed as a linebacker or a defensive end.
The report noted there's nearly $1.7 million at stake for Clowney and the Texans, which is the driving force behind the decision.
Heres’s why the NFLPA is expected to file a grievance on behalf of Jadeveon Clowney: A franchised DE carries a $17.128 million tag; a franchised LB carries a $15.43 million tag. Depending on what position Clowney is ruled to play, there’s almost $1.7 million at stake.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 15, 2019
Clowney is expected to play this season under his $15.9 million franchise tag, though he is expected to skip a "good portion" of training camp.
Clowney 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.
He had 18.5 sacks and three forced fumbles over the past two seasons.