The Houston Texans are having issues keeping star wide receiver Andre Johnson with the team, but there’s no uncertainty with their No. 1 draft pick.
Linebacker Jadaveon Clowney officially signed with the Texans on Friday, and while terms of the contract were not disclosed, John McClain of the Houston Chronicle reports that the deal is worth $22.27 million in guaranteed money over four years, including a $14.52 million signing bonus and a fifth-year option. With the deal in place, Clowney becomes the 18th first-round pick from 2014 to sign a contract with the team that drafted them.
Clowney excelled as a defensive end at South Carolina, collecting 54 total tackles and a school-record 13 sacks as a sophomore in 2012. The crushing tackle he made on Michigan running back Vincent Smith during the Outback Bowl helped propel him into the national spotlight. He finished sixth in the Heisman Trophy voting and was named a first-team All-American for his efforts.
Clowney made his money on the defensive line in college, but it appears the Texans have other plans for him. Defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel plans to use the 6-foot-5 defender at outside linebacker because of the 3-4 system that Houston runs. Clowney will be back on the practice field next week when the Texans begin their third week of organized team activities.
Photo via Twitter/@HoustonTexans
