Pro Bowl outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney is now the Texans’ $15.967 million man after being officially designated as their franchise player Monday, one day prior to an NFL deadline.

Clowney's number is higher than the linebacker figure of $15.443 million and it reflects 120 percent of his $13.3 million compensation last year. That includes the $1 million the Texans paid him at the end of the season to resolve a grievance over whether he was a defensive end or a linebacker under the fifth-year club option. The Texans’ announcement listed Clowney as an outside linebacker-defensive end. Clowney played more snaps in a three-point stance as a traditional defensive end than linebacker or defensive tackle last season, according to Pro Football Focus analytics.

The 2019 defensive end franchise tender is worth $17.12 million, $1.16 million more than his current pay.

By using the franchise tag for just the second time in club history — cornerback Dunta Robinson was the first in 2009 — the Texans have purchased some time to try to lock up Clowney to a long-term contract extension.

The Texans and Clowney are nowhere close to reaching a financial compromise at this time after meeting with his agent, Bus Cook, at the NFL scouting combine, according to league sources not authorized to speak publicly. The Texans continue to determine how much to invest on a long-term basis in the former top overall pick from South Carolina.

Meanwhile, Clowney's camp points to rising costs for elite pass rushers and run-stoppers, including a six-year, $141 million deal for the Chicago Bears' Khalil Mack and a six-year, $135 million contract for Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald, the NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

“We have placed the franchise tag on Jadeveon Clowney, but our goal is to continue to work with his representation on a long-term contract,” Texans general manager Brian Gaine said in a statement released by the team. “This gives us both an opportunity to continue to do so.”

Under NFL collective bargaining agreement rules, the Texans have until July 15 to sign Clowney to a long-term deal. Otherwise, he must play this season under the franchise tender.

The Texans utilized the non-exclusive franchise tag designation. That means NFL teams can sign Clowney to an offer sheet once the free agent signing period begins. The Texans can match, or receive two first-round draft picks as compensation.

What happens next for Clowney and the Texans?

Clowney is expected to exercise his right to not sign the tender anytime soon and not attend offseason workouts, practices and, possibly, training camp, according to sources. Franchise players aren’t required to report for those activities without financial penalty or other discipline. If Clowney misses any regular-season games, he would forfeit a $939,235 game check each week.

When asked about the franchise tag at the end of the season, Clowney said he wanted to come back to the Texans and all he was focusing on was being a better player.

Clowney has been named to three consecutive Pro Bowls.

He recorded 47 tackles, nine sacks, one forced fumble, three fumble recoveries, one touchdown, 16 tackles for losses and 21 quarterback hits last season. He has 18½ sacks and 53 tackles for losses over the past two seasons.

Clowney, 26, has overcome durability issues that dogged him earlier in his career, including undergoing microfracture knee surgery. He has played in all but one game over the past two seasons.

Clowney’s rare explosiveness has made him a dangerous force at the line of scrimmage. He has improved his work ethic and coach Bill O'Brien reiterated that point at the NFL scouting combine

“I don’t comment on what other people say,” O'Brien said when asked about reports critical of Clowney’s work ethic. “I’ve had a really good experience with JD. He’s played good football for us. He’s a good person. I’ve enjoyed coaching him. I have nothing but good things to say about JD.”

aaron.wilson@chron.com

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