New details are emerging about the long-term contract extension Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson is considering signing, most notably: that the deal may not be that “long-term” after all.
According to Mike Florio of NBC Sports, Watson is seeking a three-year extension of his rookie deal, which expires after the 2021 season. The 24-year old signal-caller will be entering his fourth NFL season after being drafted 12th overall in 2017 after a legendary career at Clemson.
Watson is already one of the game's best passers, having compiled a 24-13 record in 37 career starts, with a 101.1 quarterback rating, 66.8% completion rate, and 71 passing touchdowns against 29 interceptions.
If the deal is reached, Watson would be under contract for five total years, putting him in position for a third contract after the 2024 season—and leaving open the possibility of the franchise tag in 2025 and 2026. Houston awarded Watson's blind-side protector, left tackle Larry Tunsil, a similar three-year extension after his rookie deal.
Texans general manager and head coach Bill O'Brien controversially traded Watson's top target, DeAndre Hopkins, to the Arizona Cardinals in March, in exchange for 28-year old running back David Johnson.
Florio notes that “some have wondered whether Watson wants to remain in Houston over the long haul” and that “one sports book had Watson as the favorite to become the Patriots’ starter in 2021.” Florio acknowledged that possibility remains highly unlikely, but the fact that it was even rumored could signal a simmering skepticism over Watson's future in Houston.
The Texans have won the AFC South in both of Watson's seasons as the full-time starter (2018, 2019). Watson earned his first postseason victory on Jan. 4, leading Houston to a 22-19 win over the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Wild Card round.
The Texans fell in the divisional round to the future Super Bowl champs Kansas City Chiefs, 51-31.
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