Whitney Mercilus’ contract extension is a smart move for Houston Texans

The Houston Texans continue to make savvy moves by extending Whitney Mercilus to a four-year contract extension.

The Houston Texans have agreed to a four-year contract extension deal with Whitney Mercilus that will keep as a Texan through 2023 and can pay him up to $54 million with $24.5 million guaranteed, according to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle.

Mercilus had another impressive season and was selected as a Pro Bowl alternate this season due to his production as a pass rusher. Despite all the injuries that have plagued the Texans, Mercilus has been one of the most disruptive defenders for the Texans with 48 tackles, 15 quarterback hits, 7.5 sacks, nine tackles for loss, two pass deflections, two interceptions, four forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery.

Signing Mercilus to a long term deal was a no brainer for the Texans with him slated to be one of the better players to hit this upcoming free agency. The Texans could not afford to lose Mercilus after deciding to trade Jadeveon Clowney to the Seattle Seahawks when they were unable to work on a contract extension before the season started.

The Texans are securing one of the better pass rushers in franchise history as he currently ranks third overall with 50 sacks.

Mercilus has been one of the most consistent players since being drafted in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft and has appeared in at least 15 games each season with the exception of the 2017 season when he tore his pectoral muscle after appearing in five games.