Deshaun Watson is probably headed for a big contract at some point in the near future, but he’s not too worried about it.
Watson was the No. 12 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft and is entering the fourth year under his rookie deal. At a $4.4 million cap hit for 2020, he is one of the biggest bargains in the league. Houston has already exercised his fifth-year option at $17.5 million. Watson is vastly underpaid at that number.
The Texans should be motivated to try and sign Watson for as many years as possible, but the franchise quarterback isn’t thinking about it.
.@deshaunwatson asked about getting a new contract, reflecting he’s the face of the franchise and head coach Bill O’Brien saying multiple times he wants him here for a long time: “That’s definitely something that is not under the rug. My main focus is just being the best…” pic.twitter.com/Mb6HJXBc2s
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) May 29, 2020
Watson spoke with local Houston media via Zoom about his Summer Reading Challenge. According to FOX 26’s Mark Berman, Watson said he was trying to be the best “teammate, best leader, best quarterback I can be and whenever that time comes with my agent and the organization, the timing is gonna be right. They’re gonna make sure they handle it well. For me right now, the focus is on being the best teammate, getting the new guys on the same page with me as the quarterback of this offense, and making sure I’m staying healthy and ready to go whenever they call me, call us in to go play.”
Watson has made two straight Pro Bowls and has passed for 71 touchdowns and 29 interceptions in three seasons, while rushing for 14 scores. He’s one of the best quarterbacks in the league, and the Texans would have to be fools not to do everything to lock him up. It’s no surprise a recent report said he was likely next in line for a mega contract.
