Former No. 1 pick Jadeveon Clowney is returning to the Houston Texans for the first time since the 2018 season, he told multiple media outlets on Sunday.
Clowney will sign with Houston for a base value of $5.5 million and a max value of $8 million, KPRC 2 in Houston reported.
"It wasn't about the money," Clowney told the Houston TV station. "It was about legacy and chasing a Super Bowl. I've got a lot of game left and I want to contribute."
The three-time Pro Bowl defensive end said it was an easy decision
among multiple opportunities, "a no-brainer," and is excited to play for the Texans and head coach DeMeco Ryans.
Multiple media reports came on the heels of the Texans re-signing veteran defensive end Mario Edwards, who played the past two seasons with the franchise. The team has not confirmed the Clowney signing.
Both moves add depth to an already stout front four led by Danielle Hunter (15 sacks last season) and Will Anderson (12 sacks in 2025).
"I was excited about playing with those guys," Clowney told KPRC 2. "Good defense, and I can help contribute and a good chance to chase a Super Bowl. I know what it looks like. I can help this squad."
Clowney, 33, was drafted first overall in 2014 and played five seasons in Houston, amassing 29 sacks, 205 tackles, 67 quarterback hits, five forced fumbles and five recoveries over 62 games for the franchise.
He spent the ensuing seven years suiting up for six different clubs: the Seattle Seahawks (2019), Tennessee Titans (2020), Cleveland Browns (2021-22), Baltimore Ravens (2023), Carolina Panthers (2024) and Dallas Cowboys (2025). NFL Network reported that Clowney visited with the Browns this summer while exploring his options.
Over 153 games (133 starts), Clowney has totaled 66.5 sacks, 450 tackles, 149 QB hits, 16 forced fumbles and 11 recoveries. He was a Pro Bowler in each of his final three seasons in Houston.
"I feel like I can help the younger guys," Clowney told the Houston Chronicle. "I've learned how to lead and what it takes to get to a Super Bowl. I feel like I can help this team."
Edwards, 32, appeared in 14 games as a reserve last season and finished with 1.5 sacks. He started 12 games in his first season in Houston in 2024 and had three sacks that season.
Over 11 seasons with the then-Oakland Raiders (2015-17), New York Giants (2018), New Orleans Saints (2019), Chicago Bears (2020-21), Titans (2022), Seahawks (2023) and Texans, Edwards has recorded 26 sacks, 200 tackles, 64 QB hits, six forced fumbles and two recoveries.
In other roster moves Sunday, the Texans waived offensive tackle Derrick Graham and running back Evan Hull.
--Field Level Media
