The Houston Texans are reportedly planning on keeping and offering contract extensions to defensive stars Jadeveon Clowney and Tyrann Mathieu this offseason.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reported both stars are expected to be back despite expiring deals, and that the Texans might use the franchise tag on Clowney to ensure he is with them in 2019, extension or not.
From @GMFB Weekend: The #Texans plan to keep and extend defensive stars Jadeveon Clowney and Tyrann Mathieu, both of whom are on expiring deals. They may have to franchise tag Clowney to do it. pic.twitter.com/cYuxUfkdrm
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 5, 2019
Clowney is coming off a fantastic season in which he had nine sacks, the second season in a row in which he hit that number, and appeared in 15 of the team’s 16 games. After his early career was marred by injury, the former No. 1 overall pick has been healthy and reliable the past three seasons, playing in all but three games.
Mathieu has been a stalwart for Houston’s defense in his first season with the club. Since coming over from Arizona following his release, the safety hybrid has become an integral player, starting in all 16 games while tallying 89 tackles, two interceptions, one fumble recovery and three sacks.