Patrick Mahomes isn’t the only star quarterback from the 2017 draft class in line for a massive extension.
Deshaun Watson, drafted two spots behind the Super Bowl LIV MVP in the first round of that draft, is also under contract through 2021 after the Houston Texans exercised his fifth-year option. Like Mahomes, he expects to strike a deal that would cement him as his organization’s franchise QB for half a decade to come at least. The same goes for Dak Prescott, who has yet to sign his franchise tag in Dallas.
Who will be signed first? It would behoove both the Cowboys and Texans to ink their Lone Star gunslingers before Mahomes cashes in on what is expected to be a record-setting deal. But in Watson’s case, the Texans QB is not stressing about a timeline, more optimistic that something will get done rather than worried about when it will get done.
It’s definitely good, Watson said of his contract situation, via Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle. It’s exciting for all of us. Only time will tell, but we’re going to do everything we can to make sure it’s on the right track. We’re going to win a lot of games and championships while we continue to figure out that side of the business, too.
Already a two-time Pro Bowler and two-time AFC South champion, Watson is the future of professional football in Texas, a status proven in his play that has yet to be validated with a contract offer. The Texans QB, arguably the best in franchise history just three years into his career, has gone 25-15 in 40 starts, including the postseason, throwing for 10,586 yards, 75 touchdowns and 30 picks.
The league-leader in sacks taken in 2018, Watson benefited from Houston’s acquisition of left tackle Laremy Tunsil in 2019. The Texans’ extension of Tunsil, to the tune of a whopping $57.85 million guaranteed, was a long-overdue investment in Houston’s offensive line and therefore in Watson. It was also a sign, along with the Texans trading away DeAndre Hopkins.
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