Jadeveon Clowney's uncertain future in Houston appears to have opened a door for the Jets and general manager Joe Douglas.
Clowney has yet to report to the Houston Texans as he seeks a long-term deal with the club. Houston placed a franchise tag on the linebacker earlier in the offseason, but no progress has been made. With the regular season set to begin on Sept. 8, the 26-year-old is reportedly willing to sit out of Houston's upcoming slate until there is a resolution. The deadlock could force the Texans to part ways with the defensive star, and the Jets have shown interest.
The Jets are one of five teams to inquire about the former South Carolina standout, who tallied 47 combined tackles last season, according to The Houston Chronicle's Aaron Wilson. There is no indication on how far discussions between both teams went but the league-wide interest in Clowney is rising.
Clowney, however, could be heading to another AFC East team if the Jets fail to make the significant trade.
He's already met with Miami Dolphins personnel including head coach Brian Flores. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that Clowney intended to report to the Texans until he found out the team was discussing trading him. Clowney also fired his agent Bus Cook as a result of his contract uncertainty.
Clowney is set for a raise from the nearly $16 million he made last year, according to Spotrac. He started in 14 of 15 games for the Texans last season, earned Pro Bowl honors for the third straight season while tallying over 200 tackles in his five-year career.
The Jets have already shown their willingness to be active on the trade front throughout the offseason. On Wednesday, the team acquired cornerback Nate Hairston from the Colts in exchange for a sixth-round pick in 2020.