Deshaun Watson, Texans agree to multi-year extension

Photo courtesy of Kirby Lee

Since the franchise's opening year all the way back in 2002, the Houston Texans have been desperately looking for a way to find and keep a franchise quarterback long-term. Now, nearly 18 years later, they've finally got their guy.

Quarterback Deshaun Watson and the Houston Texans agreed to a four-year $160 million deal on Saturday morning, per multiple reports. Of the $160 million, a massive $111 million of that money is guaranteed.

The new contract, added with his current rookie deal, keeps Watson in Houston through the 2025 season. In three seasons, Watson, a two-time Pro Bowl selection, has amassed 9,716 passing yards on a 66.8% completion percentage, to go along with 71 touchdowns to only 26 interceptions. The dual-threat QB has also added 1,233 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns in his career.

Unlike fellow young star QB Patrick Mahomes, who recently signed an extension totaling 12 years and upwards of $500 million, Watson's new contract awards him the most money per year in NFL history at $40 million a year, with a chance to cash in again at the conclusion of 2025 and his age 30 season.

Watson took to social media after the deal to thank the Texans organization for the opportunity, as well as promising the city and its fans to bring a potential championship to Houston.

Multiple players congratulated Watson on the deal, including fellow Texan J.J. Watt, Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson, and all-pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey.

Watson's quest to bring a championship to Houston begins this Thursday, September 10 when he and the Texans open the season against the reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs.