INDIANAPOLIS - Ideally, the Texans will find a way to reach a financial compromise with Pro Bowl outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney.
If they're unable to do so, league sources not authorized to speak publicly expect the Texans to designate Clowney as their franchise player by a Tuesday afternoon NFL deadline.
The former top overall pick from South Carolina is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent if the Texans don't designate him as their franchise player, at a projected cost of either a $17.144 million defensive end tag or a $14.953 million linebacker tag.
JOHN McCLAIN: Don't expect swift resolution to Texans' talks with Jadeveon Clowney
"It’s certainly an option,” Texans general manager Brian Gaine said at the NFL scouting combine Thursday when asked about the franchise tag.