It was reported late last month that the Houston Texans and Pro Bowl defensive end Jadeveon Clowney were in the midst of contract extension negotiations. With just one year left on his rookie deal, it makes a ton of sense that the two sides want to get something worked out here soon.
Now, according to Yahoo! Sports NFL insider Jordan Schultz, Clowney and the Texans are nearing an extension that would pay the former No. 1 overall pick at least $18 million annually over five seasons.
Per source, #Texans and Jadeveon Clowney are “close” to a contract extension. @AlbertBreer first reported “a lot of progress” being made. I’m told in the neighborhood of 18-18.5 guaranteed per year, over 5. Little doubt it gets done – by camp at the latest.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) April 5, 2018
That $18 million average would make Clowney the highest-paid defensive end in the NFL.
A first-round pick out of South Carolina back in 2014, Clowney put up just 4.5 sacks while dealing with injuries over the course of his first two NFL seasons. Since then, he’s earned two Pro Bowl appearances in as many seasons while recording a combined 15.5 sacks.