The Houston Texans are only weeks away from the start of training camp, as rookies and vets will report on July 22. Training camp is one of the most important events of the offseason, as it means meaningful football is right around the corner.
The Texans have most of their spots locked in on the 53-man roster. However, there will be a few position battles taking place on the offensive line, wide receiver room, and at the cornerback spot.
Meanwhile, there are several former Texans players still waiting for a call to come work out or sign with a team before training camp gets underway. It’s not uncommon for vets to be sitting in free agency at the start of camp.
However, when you have a former Pro Bowl pass rusher and No. 1 overall pick still waiting to be signed, that’s shocking. One could argue that this ex-Texans defensive lineman deserves an opportunity despite being cut earlier this offseason.
Ex-Texans Pass Rusher Jadeveon Clowney Still a Free Agent Weeks Before Training Camp
Former Texans pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney has surprisingly received little to no interest in free agency after being cut by the Carolina Panthers.
The 32-year-old Clowney signed a two-year, $20 million deal with the Panthers last offseason and put up respectable numbers in his first year with the club. Clowney racked up 46 combined tackles, 11 quarterback hits, nine tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, and four pass deflections across 14 games.
Clowney’s 5.5 sacks were tied for first on Carolina with A’Shawn Robinson. That being said, the Panthers still parted ways with the ex-Texan, who didn’t make the same impact that he did with the Baltimore Ravens in 2023 (9.5 sacks).
However, with a few teams still looking for another veteran pass rusher, it's surprising that the vet hasn’t received much interest. Teams such as the Detroit Lions, Washington Commanders, and Green Bay Packers could use a player like Clowney, especially if you can get him on a one-year deal.
Clowney isn’t the same player that he was when his career started with the Texans. During his five-year run in Houston, he had three consecutive seasons with at least six sacks and went to the Pro Bowl three times. He was also named second-team All-Pro in 2016.
That said, based on what Clowney has shown over the last few years, in the right situation, he could be the perfect addition to bolster a pass rush for a contender.