Bigger picture, Point was, Clowney isn’t delusional to expect a bigger pay day, here or elsewhere so we are actually in agreement. I mentioned he had only played in 5 or 6 games, couldn’t remember off top of my head, but now I’m looking it up. Also realize in Wade Phillips 3-4 he moved Mario to OLB (how many discussions did we have about that and how to better use Mario and his best position).
In 5 games Mario Williams had 5 sacks, on pace for 16 sacks. 7 QB hits (21) and 4 TFL (12). Not exactly useless. Texans tried to resign him to a long term contract, of which you could again probably remember better the offer and don’t believe Mario was ever franchised?
Different players, different times but similarities will be linked. When taking 1st overall player, DE twice, system fit, injures and medicals can override production because your always projecting forward, basing next contract not just off what was done but what can be done in the future.
There has been only one player in franchise history who has flashed then produced the kind of numbers worthy of a “big franchise” contract and that’s JJ Watt. I realize Clowney has some medical issues that scare the hell out of the Texans FO more than his on the field production, but can’t they just write that into a long term contract to make it cap friendly and take out insurance to recover any future losses?