The Houston Texans may use their franchise tag on J.J. Watt if they are unable to agree upon a long-term contract 

"You've got guys in the Hall of Fame that have been franchised in back-to-back years," owner Bob McNair told ESPN.com. "The franchise tag is worth something to the team, and you can't be afraid to use it."

Watt is under contract for at least 2014 and 2015. The Texans picked up their option on the fifth season of his contract earlier in the offseason.

The sides had some preliminary discussions before the team took that action.

The franchise tag is a way for a team to restrict the free-agency movement of players.