Contrary to hot takes earlier in the offseason, the Deshaun Watson and Houston Texans marriage is on its way to renewed vows.
According to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle, Watson and the Texans organization have had “extremely preliminary conversations” about negotiating a second contract with the 24-year-old’s agent, David Mulugheta. While talks are preliminary, everything has been “positive so far,” according to Wilson.
While the Texans do have two years left on Watson’s rookie deal — including a $17.3 million fifth-year option in 2021 thanks to his 2017 first-round draft status — the club is looking to secure his services for the long haul.
Signing Watson to a long-term deal won’t be cheap, however. Per Wilson, his deal is expected to be in the $40-42 million annual value range. That number may inflate or deflate depending on contracts given to Dallas Cowboys’ Dak Prescott and Kansas City Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes.
With Texans head coach Bill O’Brien doubling as general manager, Houston has prioritized resigning their own. In April, Houston made Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil the highest-paid offensive lineman in NFL history, inking him to a three-year, $66 million contract with $50 million guaranteed.
Watson views the Texans’ commitment to Tunsil as something that will turn over to himself in due time. However, a new contract is not his only priority.
“It’s definitely good,” Watson said on a Zoom call of the Texans’ commitment to Tunsil, via Wilson. “It’s exciting for all of us. Only time will tell, but we’re going to do everything we can to make sure it’s on the right track. We’re going to win a lot of games and championships while we continue to figure out that side of the business, too.”
After making Watson the 12th pick of the 2017 NFL Draft, Houston signed the former Clemson Tiger to a $13.84 million contract with an $8.215 million signing bonus. Since then, Watson has led the Texans to back-to-back AFC South divisional titles and has earned back-to-back Pro Bowl nods. The Texans are hoping to reward his outstanding play and leadership sooner rather than later.
