Ahead of the May 4 deadline, the Houston Texans are expected to exercise the fifth-year option on franchise quarterback Deshaun Watson per Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle.
According to Wilson, the option will cost the Texans $17.3 million but is seen as just a formality as the Texans are expected to discuss a long-term deal with the two-time Pro Bowler.
Texans expected to exercise fifth-year 2021 club option for Pro Bowl quarterback Deshaun Watson before May 4 NFL deadline, per sources. It's a procedural formality because team intends to negotiate a long-term deal with him. Fifth-year option projected to cost $17.3 million
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) April 27, 2020
The Texans have been trying to extend the 24-year-old star for the majority of the offseason. The fifth-year option will keep Watson under center until at least 2021 if, for some reason, the two sides don't work out a deal before the regular season begins..
Since being drafted 12th overall in the 2017 draft, the former Clemson product has been one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL when healthy. Watson made his second Pro-Bowl appearance in 2019 when he completed 67.3 percent of his passes for 3,852 yards, 26 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Watson also showed his dual-threat ability with 413 yards and seven additional scores on the ground.
However, Watson has also lost his top target in DeAndre Hopkins, who was traded to the Arizona Cardinals this offseason. In the 2020 NFL Draft, the Texans primarily focused on improving their defensive line while also drafting UNC offensive tackle Charlie Heck in the fourth round, who could help protect Watson in the future.
Watson helped lead the Texans to the 14th-ranked scoring offense in the league last season (23.6 points per game) while the team ranked 15th in passing yards and 12th in passing touchdowns.
As a team, Houston would go 10-6 in the regular season before falling to the eventual-champion Kansas City Chiefs 31-51 in the divisional round of the playoffs.
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