Report: Quarterback Deshaun Watson signs $160M extension with Texans
Sep 5, 2020, 9:36 AM
Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) celebrates after throwing a pass to setup the game-winning field goal during overtime of an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Buffalo Bills Saturday, Jan. 4, 2020, in Houston. The Texans won 22-19 in overtime. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
(AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson has become the second-highest-paid player in the NFL.
Watson and the Texans agreed to a four-year, $160 million extension, according to the Houston Chronicle. The contract comes with a $27 million signing bonus.
In total, the contract is worth $177.4 million with $111 million in total guarantees.
After the contract was reported, Watson posted a graphic to Twitter with a statement that thanked the organization, fans and his mother.
“As a child growing up in Georgia, it was always my dream to play in the NFL. Today, I couldn’t be more honored and humbled to sign a long-term deal in Houston, the city that I’ve grown to love so much and now call my home,” Watson said.
More Glory! 🙏🏾 HOUSTON!!!!!!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/u2D2o1ttIQ
— Deshaun Watson (@deshaunwatson) September 5, 2020
Watson’s annual deal, which ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported will average $39 million a year in base salary, trails only Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ annual $45 million average as the highest in the league.
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson is behind the two with a contract that averages $35 million a year.
Over Watson’s two years as full-time starter, he has averaged slightly over 4,000 yards with 26 touchdowns and 10.5 interceptions while completing almost 68% of his passes. He has averaged 482 rushing yards and six touchdowns on the ground over those seasons.
The Texans have made the playoffs both of the last two seasons.
