Houston Texans Sign OLB Whitney Mercilus To Four-Year Extension

Well, I suppose we know why Bill O'Brien and Rick Smith were content to let Bud Dupree pass them by in the first round of last week's NFL Draft. Take it away, John McClain.

Texans argee to 4 four year extension with OLB Whitney Mercilus.

— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) May 4, 2015

Now e know why Texans didn't pick up 5th-year option on Mercilus: They were working out a new deal with him.

— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) May 4, 2015

Whitney Mercilus' four-year extension (2016-2019) is $26 million, including $10.8 guaranteed.He gets a $5.25 million signing bonus.

— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) May 4, 2015

Mercilus has become known as somewhat of a master of the "unblocked sack" over the past two seasons, which is partially why many expected his replacement to be targeted in this year's loaded class of edge rushers. It remains to be seen if Mercilus can elevate his level of play beyond the relative "averageness" (yes, I know that is not a real word) that he has maintained for the past two years, but at least it seems as though the Houston front office was only willing to give him "average" money as compensation.

I will say this, though:  There are worse players to have as a starting outside linebacker than Whitney Mercilus...right, Bjoern Werner?