:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65981189/usa_today_13797958.0.jpg)
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Texans have agreed to a four-year contract extension with linebacker Whitney Mercilus.
Texans and LB Whitney Mercilus just reached agreement on a four-year deal that will keep him from hitting free agency, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 28, 2019
The move comes just hours after the team agreed to a three-year extension with punter Bryan Anger.
This, however, checks off a to-do item much higher on the Texans’ list of priorities beyond the season. And they are taking care of business before the regular season comes to a close.
Mercilus has logged a very good year in 2019 for the Texans with Jadeveon Clowney being jettisoned to Seattle before the season began and J.J. Watt out for the second half of the season with a torn pectoral muscle. Mercilus is on pace for his first 50-tackle season since 2016 and has 7.5 sacks, his most since that same year.
The linebacker has also logged a career-high four forced fumbles and two interceptions. He has proven to be a leader on the defense this year and this extension is a sign of the progress he made in his walk year.
Congrats on the extension, Whitney!
UPDATE: Mercilus got $54 million from the Texans, with $24.5 million of that guaranteed.
Whitney Mercilus' four-year contract extension is worth $54 million, according to sources. That's an average of $13.5 million per year. He gets $24.5 million guaranteed
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) December 28, 2019