Report: Seahawks promised not to tag Clowney after season

Before trading for Jadeveon Clowney, the Seattle Seahawks reportedly promised the edge defender that they wouldn't use the franchise tag on him following the season, a source told Adam Schefter of ESPN.

Clowney was tagged by the Texans after the 2018 campaign, which marked the beginning of the end of his time in Houston. Franchise tag rules prevent him from signing an extension with Seattle during the season, so he'll have a chance to hit the open market in March.

The Seahawks agreed Saturday to acquire Clowney for a third-round pick and linebackers Barkevious Mingo and Jacob Martin. Seattle will pay the 26-year-old a $7-million signing bonus, while Houston will dole out his remaining $8-million salary, according to Schefter.

Clowney will join forces with Ezekiel Ansah to form what could be a potent edge rush in Seattle. Clowney is coming off a nine-sack season, while Ansah is one year removed from a 12-sack campaign. He's looking to bounce back from an injury-riddled 2018.

Other pass-rushers on track to become free agents in 2020 include Yannick Ngakoue, Dante Fowler, and Whitney Mercilus.

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