Reports: NFLPA filing grievance vs. Texans on Clowney's behalf

Jadeveon Clowney is a defensive end based on snap counts from the 2018 season, but the Houston Texans used the franchise tag designation for an outside linebacker -- savings to the team of about $1.7 million in 2019 salary. That's why the NFLPA plans to file a grievance on Clowney's behalf, according to multiple reports.

Clowney, 26, was given the franchise tag to keep him from a free agency before the March deadline. The team entered an outside linebacker designation, which carries a one-year tender value of $15.43 million. Clowney will play at a rate of $15.9 million for next season based on the required increase over his 2018 salary. A franchised defensive end carries a $17.128 million tag.

According to ESPN Stats & Information, Clowney played 729 snaps at defensive end in 2018. He played more at defensive tackle (101) than outside linebacker (33). The Baltimore Ravens and Terrell Suggs, listed as a defensive end and outside linebacker, encountered a similar situation in 2008 over a difference of about $800,000.