Report: Deshaun Watson signs four-year contract extension

The Houston Texans have been working on a contract extension with franchise quarterback Deshaun Watson, and they have finalized a deal, according to Texans beat writer John McClain. Watson is signing a four-year extension worth $160 million.

McClain is reporting Watson received a $27 million signing bonus and Ian Rapoport is reporting the deal includes $111 million in total guarantees. The deal makes him the second highest paid quarterback in the NFL behind Patrick Mahomes. Watson will earn more than Mahomes per season over the length of the deal, but Mahomes has the bigger overall deal.

Watson has been voted to the Pro Bowl the past two seasons and was on the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 2017. He appeared in seven games as a rookie before tearing his ACL. In 2018, he completed 68.3 percent of his passes with 26 touchdowns and 9 interceptions and rushed for 551 yards and 5 touchdowns. In 2019, he completed 67.3 percent of his passes with 26 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, while rushing for 413 yards with 7 touchdowns.

The Texans have made two straight playoff appearances with Watson at the helm. This year represents a new challenge for Watson and the Texans. The team traded away star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and acquired receivers Brandin Cooks and Randall Cobb. Cooks, Cobb, Kenny Stills, and Will Fuller bring some serious talent, and it will be interesting to see if we see a broader spread of looks with Hopkins out of the picture.