Jadeveon Clowney’s pursuit of a longterm mega-deal might just be delayed.
The Houston Texans announced they’d put the franchise tag on the Pro Bowl outside linebacker, meaning if negotiations don’t go well he’ll have to stay in Houston on a one-year deal. It will reportedly be worth $15 million instead of the $17 million he could get as a defensive end.
The two sides had been working on a longer deal, and the franchise tag is often a bargaining tool for teams. Clowney can not sign the tender in the short term to try to force the team’s hand.