I worry about paying Clowney as much as anyone, but what else are the Texans going to spend money on if not that?
If Texans can't find a trade they can say no to they should just re-sign him. Front load his contract so all of the dead money is in the beginning, if possible, while we have the extra cap space.
It should be, but I'd gladly take a top 15 pick and a second round pick in this year's draft for him. Get a tackle in the first and a corner and his replacement with the next two picks.
It would probably be a swap of 1st round picks this year and either a 2nd this year or a 1st next year.
Don’t forget the Raiders also sent a 2nd and conditional 5th to the Bears. Given the depth of DL in this draft, I’d take a Top 15 pick which I think would guarantee us one of OL. Taylor, Dillard, or Williams. At 23, take the best DE or CB available.