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Texans News: Clowney Not Reporting, Will Houston Trade Him?

Houston Texans

Jadeveon Clowney has yet to report to Houston Texans training camp or practice and, according to head coach Bill O’Brien, nobody knows when that will change.

The Texans hit Clowney with the franchise tag in the offseason, but since he hasn’t yet signed the tender, the team can’t pretend to make him do anything. Presently, he’s just not under contract with any squad, Houston just controls his rights.

O’Brien, who always seems confused anyway, has no idea when Clowney  will show up.

“I don’t know. I really don’t,” O’Brien said. “I know he (Clowney) is working hard. He’s out there working out … he’s in shape. He’s doing everything he needs to do to be ready to play. But ultimately that’s up to him (when he reports). When he wants to show up, he’ll show up, and he’ll be ready to go. He’s a professional. When that happens, we’ll move forward with that. But I have no idea when he’ll be here. I can’t predict that.”

Could the team be looking at trading him?

It would likely be Clowney’s preferred scenario. There doesn’t seem to be a lot of passion in the building to keep the two-time Pro Bowl pass-rusher with the team past this season. His production has been good, but it’s understandable why the Texans wouldn’t want to pay him top-tier money. He’s not once produced double-digit sacks in his five seasons, though he’s gotten close.

Reportedly, Clowney is planning on signing and reporting after the team’s third preseason game. The outside linebacker is due $15.967 million guaranteed on the franchise tag. If his grievance to be designated as a defensive end goes through, he’ll earn more than that, $17.128 million. Either way, he’s obviously willing to play on it. He’s just not willing to go through a hot summer listening to O’Brien barking to get it.

The good news for a team looking to trade for Clowney is that he could likely be had for a second rounder. The bad news is, he’ll still need a monster contract once the trade is through and likely wants Demarcus Lawrence and Frank Clark money, $20 million-plus a year.

Written by Adam Greene

Adam Greene is a writer and photographer based out of East Tennessee. His work has appeared on Cracked.com, in USA Today, the Associated Press, the Chicago Cubs Vineline Magazine, AskMen.com and many other publications.

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