Clowney Returns to Texans, Chasing Super Bowl in 13th Season

Jadeveon Clowney has re-signed with the Houston Texans on a one-year deal worth $5.5 million, reuniting with the team that drafted him first overall in 2014 after seven years with six other franchises. The 33-year-old, who recorded 8.5 sacks with the Dallas Cowboys in 2025, joins a Texans defense ranked first in yards allowed, bolstering their pass rush alongside Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter.

Quick Facts

Clowney signed a one-year contract with the Texans
Clowney was drafted first overall by Houston in 2014
Clowney played for six teams since leaving Texans in 2019
Clowney recorded 8.5 sacks for Dallas Cowboys in 2025
Clowney made three Pro Bowls with Texans

Jadeveon Clowney has reunited with the Houston Texans, the team that drafted him first overall in 2014, signing a one-year deal worth $5.5 million with incentives that could reach $8 million. The 33-year-old defensive end spent five seasons with the Texans before being traded to the Seattle Seahawks in 2019 amid a contract dispute. Since then, he has played for six different franchises—the Seahawks, Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens, Carolina Panthers, and Dallas Cowboys—before rejoining Houston after recording 8.5 sacks for the Cowboys in 2025.

Clowney's return comes as the Texans aim to build on a defense that ranked first in yards allowed last season. The team already features two elite pass rushers in Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter, who combined for 27 sacks in 2025. Clowney will serve in a situational pass-rush role, adding depth to a defensive line that has positioned the team for a deep playoff run. The move follows a brief visit with the Cleveland Browns, where general manager Andrew Berry had expressed interest in signing the veteran.

Clowney acknowledged that he could have earned more money elsewhere but prioritized winning at this stage of his career. "My whole thing was to chase the Super Bowl this year," he said. "There's no better place for me to do it." He noted that being added early in training camp, rather than mid-season as occurred with Dallas, will allow him to learn the playbook and integrate more smoothly. Current Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans welcomed Clowney's physical presence and pass-rushing ability, while Clowney expressed satisfaction with the team's culture and coaching staff.

Clowney's first tenure with Houston was marked by three Pro Bowl selections and 29 sacks over 62 regular-season games before contract disputes led to his departure. In 2023 with the Baltimore Ravens, he recorded 9.5 sacks, tying his career-high achieved with the Texans in 2017. Over 13 NFL seasons, Clowney has accumulated 66.5 sacks. He addressed his previous difficulties with former Texans coach Bill O'Brien, clarifying that his frustrations were specific to that coach rather than the organization as a whole.

Topics

Sports Business

#Houston Texans #Dallas Cowboys #defense #NFL #Cleveland Browns #contract #Danielle Hunter #Will Anderson Jr.#Free Agency #defensive end

Entities

Why This Matters

Clowney's return strengthens the Texans' pass-rush depth as they pursue a playoff run with a defense ranked first in yards allowed in 2025. At $5.5–8 million (including incentives), the deal represents a low-cost acquisition for a veteran edge rusher entering his 13th season. His integration into a structured early training camp—rather than mid-season as occurred with Dallas—directly affects defensive coordination and scheme execution in the lead-up to the 2026 playoff cycle. The move reshapes contract dynamics for veteran defensive end signings in the free-agent market.

Timeline & Sources

Jan 1, 2012

Wire

Clowney won Ted Hendricks Award as nation's top defensive end at South Carolina

Jan 1, 2014

Wire

Texans select Clowney first overall in NFL Draft

Jan 1, 2024

Wire

Clowney signed with Carolina Panthers

Jan 1, 2025

Wire

Clowney records 8.5 sacks for Dallas Cowboys in one season