Houston Texans: GM Rick Smith gets contract extension

As general manager Rick Smith continues work on his 11th season for the Houston Texans the team decided he has earned a new four-year extension

It’s been an up-and-down 11 seasons for Houston Texans fans as they’ve watched general manager Rick Smith build the team into what they are today. Some have appreciated the work he has done, while others feel the job he has done is less than satisfactory.

Whatever side of the fence you sit on, get ready for at least four more years with Smith calling the shots as he and the Texans have agreed to terms on a four-year contract extension. With this new deal, Smith is in charge through the 2020 season.

"“Rick’s doing a good job for us, and I think stability in the organization is important,” owner Bob McNair said via John McClain of the Houston Chronicle. “He works hard. He’s very diligent. He communicates well. He knows what our objectives are. Rick has put together a good scouting staff, and he works well with the coaching staff. I thought this was a good time to get this done.”"

Smith may have had some misses on his resume, but he also was the man behind drafting stud players like defensive end J.J. Watt, tackle Duane Brown and wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins.

He has also showed some willingness to make moves as he has constantly moved up and down the draft boards each season. In 2014 he orchestrated moves in back-to-back rounds as the Texans moved up to grab linebacker Benardrick McKinney in Round 2 and receiver Jaelen Strong in Round 3.

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This offseason could be considered one of Smith’s best moments as a GM as he worked to land two of the biggest free agents. The Texans were able to lure in running back Lamar Miller, who was signed away from the Miami Dolphins and quarterback Brock Osweiler who was snatched from the Super Bowl Champions, the Denver Broncos.