Texans use franchise tag on Jadeveon Clowney

The Houston Texans placed the franchise tag on pass-rusher Jadeveon Clowney, the team announced Monday.

"... Our goal is to continue to work with his representation on a long-term contract," general manager Brian Gaine said in a statement. "This gives us both an opportunity to continue to do so."

Clowney, the No. 1 overall pick in 2014, totaled 47 tackles, nine sacks, and three fumble recoveries during the 2018 campaign.

The three-time Pro Bowler is listed as both a defensive end and an outside linebacker in Houston's statement. As a defensive end, he stands to earn $17.1 million on the franchise tag, while linebackers earn $15.4 million.

Clowney was given an extra $1 million in December to resolve the positional pay difference on his fifth-year option, according to NFL.com's Tom Pelissero.