NFLPA Expected to File Grievance Against Texans for Franchise Tagging Jadeveon Clowney at LB
By Michael Luciano
Houston Texans Pro Bowl pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney will play next season on the franchise tag after the two sides couldn't come together on a long-term contract. The messy situation, one that could lead to a divorce, is somehow getting even messier now that the player's union has been roped into this.
The NFLPA is filing a grievance against the Texans on Clowney's behalf. The Texas designated Clowney as a "DE/LB." This is significant because the Texans could pay Clowney $1.698 million less as a linebacker than as a defensive end.
NFLPA is anticipated to file a grievance against Texans over the position assigned to franchise DE/LB Jadeveon Clowney, per league sources. The Texans labeled Clowney a “DE/LB”, but a LB tag carries a $1.698 million lower salary with it than the DE tag would. So issues on issues.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 15, 2019
I'm sure that bringing the union into contract negotiations over $1.698 million is a great way to reignite the dialogue of a long-term contract extension.
Clowney, a 26-year-old pass rusher who has made three Pro Bowls and one All-Pro team since being drafted No. 1 overall in 2014, recorded 47 tackles and nine sacks last season.
Clowney will play next season on the franchise tag, but will skip a large portion of training camp to preserve his body.
Texans and franchised DE/LB Jadeveon Clowney officially did not reach a long-term deal before today's 4 pm ET deadline. He now is expected to miss a good portion of training camp. Next time Texans see Clowney could be late August or early September.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 15, 2019
It's a GM tale as old as time. The team is in salary cap hell with a couple big contracts due to be signed, while the disgruntled star is all about the bag and the securing thereof. All signs are pointing to Clowney getting a big deal somewhere, even if it isn't Houston.