VIDEO: NFL Analyst Michael Lombardi Says Jadeveon Clowney is Likely to Be Traded Within 48 Hours
By Jerry Trotta
There's been quite of bit of speculation, pretty much all offseason, about whether the Houston Texans have tried, or are currently attempting to trade Jadeveon Clowney. Well, a report dropped on Friday that essentially confirmed the latter as it claimed that the Texans are shopping the All-Pro pass rusher to 10 teams. Fast forward roughly 24 hours later and Michael Lombardi of The Athletic believes that Houston will offload the South Carolina product in the next day or two.
The #Texans will trade LB/DE Jadeveon Clowney in the next 24/48 hours, according to @mlombardiNFL
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) August 24, 2019
"His days are numbered."
Lombardi adds that a lot of teams are interested and the Texans wants to add another WR behind DeAndre Hopkins and Will Fuller.pic.twitter.com/v4DpG7SxMw
Wait what? Trading Clowney for a wide receiver when you already have DeAndre Hopkins makes next to no sense. Not to mention, Will Fuller and Keke Coutee, regardless of how injury prone they are, appear more than capable second- and third-stringers.
Here's an idea, Houston: why not address your DIRE need for an offensive lineman? FYI, one of the best left tackles in the league is desperate to get out of Washington -- Trent Williams.
Lombardi also says two teams are currently "negotiating with Clowney." because he has to sign the franchise tag first in order to be traded.
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) August 24, 2019
If the Texans go this route, Clowney will join #Chiefs Dee Ford and #Seahawks Frank Clark as players who were tagged by only to be traded. https://t.co/JIKBYDTpOV
It's worth reiterating that there's no telling how validated Lombardi's report is, but it would be irresponsible to not point out the very apparent flaws in the Texans reported strategy.
Their OL conceded a league-high 62 sacks in 2018 and their reported focus is giving Deshaun Watson more players to target out wide...instead of making sure he has time to throw to those pass catchers.
Whatever the case, keep those phones close, folks. It appears that Clowney's stint in Houston will conclude after five seasons.