Houston Texans are doing everything they can to lock their franchise quarterback Deshaun Watson for the foreseeable future. According to ESPN, the Texans already picked up Watson’s fifth-year option while trying to get a long-term deal done as well.
Watson, who was a first-round pick in 2017, is eligible for an extension for the first time this offseason. If he ends up signing one, the expectations are that he will reset the QB market. Seattle Seahawks’ Russell Wilson currently holds the record for the highest annual average with $35 million a year while LA Rams’ Jared Goff has the most guaranteed money with $110 million.
Texans reportedly already engaged in “preliminary” discussions with Watson’s camp and are expected to continue talks in the future. The 24-year-old signal-caller earned $3.8 million in 2019 while he is expected to get $4.4 million in 2020.
If they managed to sign Watson to an extension this year, it would be Houston’s second big deal done this offseason. They previously inked offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil on a record-breaking three-year, $66 million contract extension.
During his three years in NFL, DeShaun Watson earned two Pro Bowl selections while leading the Texans to two playoff appearances. Watson finished 2019 by completing 67.3 percent of his passes for 3,852 yards and 26 touchdowns. He also added 413 rushing yards and seven rushing TDs.
