The Houston Texans used the franchise tag on defensive end Jadeveon Clowney on Monday, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.
Adam Schefter of ESPN noted it was the non-exclusive franchise tag, "with the goal still being to reach long-term deal."
Clowney, 26, registered 92 tackles and 10.5 sacks in 27 regular-season games between the 2015-16 seasons after appearing in just four games in his rookie season. He was a Pro Bowler and an Associated Press second-team All-NFL selection in 2016.
Clowney's true coming-out party occurred in Houston's wild-card win over the Oakland Raiders that year, as he finished the game with an interception and two pass deflections and also provided regular pressure on the quarterback in the defense's stifling performance.