Texans Reportedly Re-Sign LB Whitney Mercilus to 4-Year Deal
The Houston Texans are putting their pieces in place to secure their future for the long term, and as free agency looms for the NFL, they're making sure to lock up the guys they want before they have chance to test the waters with other teams in the summer.
The team just broke news Saturday that they've extended the contract of linebacker Whitney Mercilus on a new four-year deal, per NFL insider Adam Schefter.
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
Mercilus has been a mainstay on Houston's defense ever since they drafted him back in 2012, and has remained statistically consistent every year he's been the main signal caller for the defense. He averages around 50 tackles per season, and had his highest sack total in 2015 with 12.
The #Texans and LB Whitney Mercilus just reached agreement on a four-year deal that will keep him from hitting free agency... pic.twitter.com/UNb4QpgPAw
— Christopher Reiss (@NFL_ChrisReiss) December 28, 2019
2019 has been his best year in multiple categories, all the more reason for Bill O'Brien to make him one of the top priorities before the team heads into the postseason in early January.
He's started every game thus far, and recorded two interceptions and four forced fumbles, both career highs. He's also got a chance to surpass his career high for total tackles (53) entering Sunday's matchup with the Titans at 48.
He'll be a threat in the trenches for Houston for the next four seasons, and fans will be thrilled to hear it.