The Houston Texans took care of some lingering unfinished business just days before taking on the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday Night Football to open the 2020 NFL season.
According to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, the Texans signed quarterback DeShaun Watson to a four-year contract extension with $160 million in ‘new money’ and nearly $111 million guaranteed.
Watson’s new contract includes a $27 million signing bonus and will average out to $39 million per season.
By adding two years to his rookie deal, Houston now has their franchise quarterback locked up for the next six seasons.
According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, Watson will receive more cash over the ‘new’ four years of his extension than Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes will during the same time frame. Not only does this deal allow Watson to get paid now, it also allows him to ink another massive contract before his career is over and possibly hit unrestricted free agency while he’s still in his prime.
This development also came as great news for fellow quarterbacks Dak Prescott and Lamar Jackson, who are both in line for massive paydays in the very near future.
Over his last two seasons, Watson has thrown for over 8,000 yards, 52 touchdowns, and a completion percentage of 67.8. Watson is also an underrated scrambler rushing for 964 yards in the past two seasons with 12 rushing touchdowns.
Watson has led the Texans to a 24-13 overall record and two playoff appearances. During last season’s playoffs, Watson averaged over 300 yards in the air with a completion percentage of 66.2. In fact, Watson had the Texans up 24-0 in the first half against the Chiefs, before Patrick Mahomes caught fire and lit up the scoreboard with five touchdowns.
Earlier this offseason, the Texans signed left tackle Laremy Tunsil to a three-year contract extension, making him highest-paid offensive lineman in terms of annual value. Houston traded two first round picks and a second rounder to the Dolphins for Tunsil along with speedy wide receiver Kenny Stills. Houston also went out and acquired wide receivers Randall Cobb and Brandin Cooks after trading DeAndre Hopkins to the Arizona Cardinals for elusive pass catching running back David Johnson along with multiple draft picks.
The future looks bright for the Texans with their young core locked up for several years to come.. Don’t be shocked if the Texans make a Super Bowl appearance in the next few years with Watson at the helm.
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