The Houston Texans have made it official and decided to reunite with former No. 1 overall draft pick and defensive end Jadeveon Clowney.
Clowney returns after seven seasons away from the Texans.
His return solidifies a group that entered training camp with some questions, despite the top-tier talent headlining the depth chart and the Texans’ efforts to draft and sign proper depth options behind them. Clowney will address the issue.
Jadeveon Clowney Returns to Texans
- GettyThe Texans beat the Browns for Jadeveon Clowney.
“Back to where it began for Jadeveon Clowney: The former No. 1 overall pick of the #Texans has agreed to terms with Houston, sources tell me and @RapSheet,” NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported on X on August 2.
“After an 8.5-sack season with the #Cowboys, Clowney stays in Texas in a deal done by @NFLagentandy of @UpperEdgeSports.”
Clowney shared the news on his Instagram story.
Clowney, 33, drew strong interest from the Cleveland Browns before his decision.
Perhaps the Browns’ open push to bring Clowney back into their building was the final push that the Texans needed, because they had been linked to the former No. 1 overall pick of the 2014 draft before he made the final call.
Clowney has 450 combined tackles and 66.5 career sacks. He tallied 209 stops and 29 of his sacks in a Texans uniform.
He will slot in, presumably, as DE3 behind Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr.
Reactions to Jadeveon Clowney News Come in as Financial Details Emerge
- GettyJadeveon Clowney’s return to the Texans drew a strong reaction.
The Texans addressed a need, but to do with with a player who means something to the franchise adds to the development.
“This is just insane for this defensive line room and Clowney is now EASILY the best DE3 in the NFL,” Sleeper’s Jacob Barzilla posted on X on August 2, noting the trio of Anderson, Clowney, and Hunter.
“Setting the edge on every down for an entire season is NUTS!!”
Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer said, “Just what the Texans needed. Another pass-rusher,” in reaction to the news.
“It’s great,” Clowney said, per Wilson. “It was a family decision. It wasn’t about the money it was about chasing my legacy and chasing a Super bowl. I’ve got a lot of game left and want to contribute.
Clowney said he is “excited” to play alongside Anderson and Hunter.
“Good defense and I can help contribute and good chance to chase a Super bowl,” Clowney said. “I know what it looks like I can help this squad.”
Texans Get Better of Browns Again
- GettyThe Browns’ interest in Jadeveon Clowney was not enough to bring him back.
Clowney’s return to the Texans is fitting enough, as he gives them a more reliable third EDGE than newcomers Dominique Robinson and Logan Hall, the latter of whom is more of a hybrid DE-DT than pure end.
However, that he chose them over the Browns is also a fitting footnote.
The Texans and Browns have a noteworthy history, including multiple transations between the two franchises that extended this offseason.
That history includes the blockbuster trade sending three-time Pro Bowler Deshaun Watson from Houston to Cleveland in 2022. Watson has yet to return significant value, let alone justify what the Browns gave the Texans to acquire him and paid him afterward.
Meanwhile, the Texans used the deal to springboard themselves from purgatory into contention.
Clowney is no longer the athletic marvel that he was when he first entered the league, but he is still better than a vast majority of the available options, both in free agency and via trade.
Jadeveon Clowney Sends Message After Reuniting With Texans