Jadeveon Clowney is returning to the Houston Texans seven years after the franchise traded the former first overall draft choice to Seattle.

The 33-year-old edge defender has agreed a one-year contract reportedly carrying a base value of $5.5m and a maximum value of $8m. Clowney said he received interest from other teams, including Cleveland and Seattle, but prioritised returning to the city in which he still lives with his family.

“It’s great,” Clowney told Houston reporter Aaron Wilson. “It was a family decision. It wasn’t about the money. It was about legacy and chasing a Super Bowl. I’ve got a lot of game left and I want to contribute.”

Clowney contacted head coach DeMeco Ryans directly as Houston’s interest developed, telling the former Texans linebacker that he wanted to play for him. The conversation helped complete a reunion that would once have appeared unlikely. Houston selected Clowney first overall in 2014, but his early seasons were disrupted by knee trouble and microfracture surgery. He recovered to earn three successive Pro Bowl selections before contractual disagreements led the Texans to trade him to the Seahawks shortly before the 2019 season.

Clowney has since played for Tennessee, Cleveland, Baltimore, Carolina and Dallas, rarely remaining with one club for more than a year. Houston nevertheless remained home, making the opportunity to return different from another late-career free-agent move.

“For sure, I was so excited,” Clowney said. “I had more opportunities. When I found out the Texans were interested, it was a no-brainer for me. It was comfortable for me to do that. I was excited to help the situation.”

Clowney no longer needs to occupy the leading role expected of him during his first spell with the franchise. Will Anderson Jr recorded 12 sacks last season and Danielle Hunter produced 15, allowing defensive coordinator Matt Burke to use Clowney as part of a rotation rather than depending upon him for every prominent pass-rushing assignment. The arrangement should preserve a player entering his 13th NFL season while giving Houston another proven defender for important downs. Clowney demonstrated that he can still supply pressure during his year with Dallas, finishing 2025 with 8.5 sacks, 12 tackles for loss and 10 quarterback hits despite playing just 44 per cent of the Cowboys’ defensive snaps.

“I was excited about playing with those guys,” Clowney said of Anderson and Hunter. “[It is already a] good defense, and I can help contribute and [there’s] a good chance to chase a Super Bowl. I know what it looks like. I can help this squad.”

The Texans have also retained veteran defensive lineman Mario Edwards, who spent the previous two seasons in Houston. Those additions deepen a unit that was already the established strength of Ryans’ team and reduce the damage caused by injuries during camp.

Clowney recorded 29 sacks, 64 tackles for loss and five forced fumbles in 62 games during his original Texans career. His departure came without the long-term contract he had sought, but he now views those five seasons differently after experiencing six other NFL organisations.

“I was young, didn’t know anything,” Clowney said. “The people I met, the time I spent there was special because it was a great experience for me. I was young, and those guys took me up under their wing and showed me a lot and showed me a lot of ball and taught me the game and taught me how to develop a routine and just take care of myself.”