It's hard to envision a team trading away a former No. 1 overall pick twice, but the Houston Texans could be in line to make that pipeline dream a reality.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Texans defensive end Jadeveon Clowney is expected to draw trade interest heading into the Nov. 10 trade deadline. Sitting at 2-5 with potentially the season on the line entering Week 9's matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers, a loss could mean the end of Clowney's second run in Houston as he looks to clinch a Super Bowl title before the end of his playing career.
Clowney, who was selected first overall in 2014 out of South Carolina, has thrived since his first departure from the Texans in 2019 as a secondary pass-rusher. He's bounced around the league over the last few years, including stops in Tennessee, Baltimore, Cleveland and Dallas before rejoining Houston this past offseason in free agency on a one-year deal.
In five games with the Texans, Clowney hasn't lived up to fans' expectations after returning home following a career year in Dallas. After leading the Cowboys with eight sacks last season, he's recorded just nine tackles, 1.5 sacks, and two tackles for loss.
At 33, Clowney has become a situational pass-rusher at best. He's currently averaging just 37% of defensive snaps, a step down from his 44% of snaps with the Cowboys in 2025. In 2024, he averaged 64% with the Carolina Panthers, but was at his best defending the run.
Given that Clowney is only on a one-year deal, plus Clonwey's deal being such a cheap salary at $5.5 million, the Texans would be wise to at least entertain phone calls should they lose on Sunday. Even as a situational lineman, teams covet pass-rushers, so Houston could sell high and cash in on a player with an expiring contract for a decent draft pick.
The Texans return to practice from their bye week starting Monday.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Could the Texans move off DE Jadeveon Clowney at the trade deadline? NFL insider weighs in
