The Texans have designated outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney as their franchise player in advance of a Tuesday NFL deadline to use the $15.443 million linebacker tag, the team announced Monday.
The Texans still ultimately want to sign Clowney to a lucrative long-term contract extension, but no financial compromise is on the immediate horizon.
"We have placed the franchise tag on Jadeveon Clowney, but our goal is to continue to work with his representation on a long-term contract," Texans general manager Brian Gaine said. "This gives us both an opportunity to continue to do so."
By making Clowney the franchise player, that prevents him from becoming an unrestricted free agent.