The Houston Texans and defensive end Jadeveon Clowney are at a stalemate, and it appears that the two sides may be heading for a split.
While trading Clowney seems easy enough, there are other factors in place. To go anywhere, Clowney would have to agree to the destination, which means he would have to sign his franchise tag. If Clowney doesn’t want to go back in time to play for the Dayton Triangles, let’s say, then the lack of signing the franchise tag negates the deal.
Another element is where the Texans intend to ship him have to like the price. Just like the Texans, wherever Clowney goes, that team would be precluded from signing him to a long-term deal until the end of the season. The intended destination could be giving up a hefty price for a rent-a-player.
With all of those factors in consideration, three real destinations where the Pro Bowl edge defender could end up.
1. miami dolphins
The rumors of Clowney heading to Miami were debunked on Aug. 13, but the story grew legs nonetheless. Now, there are reports that Clowney even met with coach Brian Flores and top brass from the Dolphins.
According to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle, Clowney is not really thrilled about going to Miami. The club has a quarterback battle between Josh Rosen and Ryan Fitzpatrick, if that is any indication of the type of season they are embarking upon. The Dolphins aren’t exactly considered favorites in the AFC East, and not even the night life and beach could be enticing enough to Clowney. Still, if the Dolphins can figure a way to sell Clowney, that might be where he ends up.
2. philadelphia eagles
The Eagles would be a the perfect destination for Clowney. Philadelphia plays an aggressive style of defense under coordinator Jim Schwartz that could use a talent like Clowney’s, especially after defensive end Chris Long retired in the offseason.
Again, it comes down to compensation. What would the Eagles be willing to give up for Clowney? Playing on a one-year deal essentially and not having the chance to negotiate with him until the end of the year creates more risk than the typical trade. It could be a situation where the Texans aren’t satisfied with the compensation package.
3. seattle seahawks
The Seahawks traded defensive end Frank Clark to the Kansas City Chiefs. As a result, Seattle lost their leading sack producer from a season ago. The Seahawks also lack interior pressure with defensive tackle Jarran Reed set to serve a six-game suspension to start the season. The only proven edge defender the Seahawks have is defensive end Ezekiel Ansah, who produced just 4.0 sacks through seven games with the Detroit Lions last season.
Like with the Eagles, it comes down to the compensation package. Is what the Seahawks are willing to give up too little for what Clowney is worth to the Texans? Conversely, is Houston asking too much for a Pro Bowler they were hesitant to sign long-term? Even the dealing of Clowney presents a new set of negotiations the Texans front office has to manage.
