Report: Texans' Clowney expected to play out final year of rookie deal

As a number of NFL teams sign their young stars to lengthy contract extensions on the eve of the 2018 campaign, it appears Houston Texans edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney will not be one of these players.

Clowney is expected to play out the final year of his rookie deal, a source told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

The pass-rushers' health may be as important as his production this upcoming season, Rapoport added.

The Texans have stated an extension for Clowney is forthcoming on multiple occasions this offseason, but the team may have switched gears and will have a tough decision to make in 2019.

Houston selected Clowney No.1 overall in 2014 out of South Carolina. He's accumulated 20 sacks in four seasons with the team, including 9.5 in 2017.

The young defender underwent knee surgery in December, but has been given a clean bill of health heading into 2018.