Pro Bowl outside linebacker-defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, an unsigned franchise player, won't be attending the Texans' offseason conditioning program, according to league sources not authorized to speak publicly.

This isn't an unexpected development and is regarded as standard procedure for a franchise player who hasn't signed his tender.

Voluntary workouts start Monday at NRG Stadium.

No deal is in sight or expected anytime soon for Clowney, who has been assigned a $15.967 million franchise tender.

Under the NFL collective bargaining agreement, Clowney is not required to attend any offseason activities, including workouts, organized team activities, minicamps or training camp.

The cost for elite pass rushers and run-stoppers keeps going up, 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. The most recent deals for top pass rushers include Dallas Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence's five-year, $105 million contract that includes $65 million guaranteed, a $25 million signing bonus and an average of $21 million per year and Detroit Lions defensive end Trey Flowers' five-year, $90 million contract that includes $56 million guaranteed.

Under NFL collective bargaining agreement rules governing franchise players, 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. The Texans can match any competing offer or receive two first-round draft picks as compensation.

If Clowney misses any regular-season games, he would forfeit a $939,235 game check each week.

"Of course, I want to come back," Clowney said when asked at the end of the season about the franchise tag. "I promise to the Texans and whoever else is watching that I'm going to be a much better, improved player next season. I haven't been thinking about a contract.

"If I come back and play well like I know I'm going to, contract will take care of itself. I'm going to work on my craft and work on my game. That's what I'm worrying about."

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 registered 18 1/2 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 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."

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