Jadeveon Clowney is back where it all began.
According to reports, the Houston Texans and the 2014 No. 1 overall pick have agreed to terms on a one-year deal. Clowney, 33, returns to the place where he became a staple as a pass-rushing icon during the 2010s under then-coach Bill O’Brien.
Once thought of as the best up-and-coming defensive end, Clowney spent five seasons in Houston opposite three-time Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt, helping the Texans reach the playoffs three times. Since his departure in 2019, Clowney has spent time with the Seattle Seahawks, Baltimore Ravens, Tennessee Titans, Carolina Panthers, Cleveland Browns and Dallas Cowboys.
A three-time Pro Bowler in Houston, Clowney rekindled his spark last season as a member of the Cowboys’ pass rush, totaling a team-leading 8.5 sacks. He also added 10 quarterback hits and 12 tackles for loss.
Reunion: The #Texans are signing their own former No. 1 overall pick Jadeveon Clowney, per me and @MikeGarafolo.
Clowney, who played last year for the #Cowboys, stays in his hometown to play. A quick photoshop: pic.twitter.com/ACZYDLQZgH
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 2, 2026
The Texans aren’t looking for a starter. They have that in Will Anderson Jr. and four-time Pro Bowler Danielle Hunter. But with Derek Barnett’s absence in the No. 3 defensive end role, a conversation could be had with Clowney’s camp as a rotational third-down option who can add value in the run defense while perhaps upgrading the pass-rushing department.
Houston wasn’t the only team interested in the former South Carolina product. The Browns brought in the former defensive end for a visit last week and even had him meet with newcomer Jared Verse to discuss a potential reunion.
But Clowney left on bad terms after the 2022 season when he criticized the club for his usage opposite of two-time Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett in pass-rushing sets. That season, he only recorded two sacks, a massive downgrade from the nine he had in 2021.
Time heals all wounds. The Texans, who franchise tagged Clowney because a deal couldn’t be made in the offseason, eventually traded him to Seattle in 2019. But it’s clear the franchise extended an olive branch and left the past in 2019.
Back to where it began for Jadeveon Clowney: The former No. 1 overall pick of the #Texans has agreed to terms with Houston, sources tell me and @RapSheet.
After an 8.5-sack season with the #Cowboys, Clowney stays in Texas in a deal done by @NFLagentandy of @UpperEdgeSports. pic.twitter.com/B8ABbDaDTF
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) August 2, 2026
Although he never lived up to becoming a generational pass-rusher, Clowney was consistent opposite Watt. Over his five seasons with the Texans, Clowney totaled career-highs in tackles (206), tackles for loss (64), sacks (29) and QB hits (67).
The reunion of Clowney should be welcomed among fans. It should also set up a long-awaited run to the Super Bowl with another veteran Pro Bowl defensive end who helped set the tone of a new era of Texans football.
The Texans open the regular season against the Buffalo Bills on Sept. 13.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans bring back former No. 1 overall pick Jadevon Clowney on one-year deal
