The Houston Texans have signed one of their core players to a long-term deal, just two weeks before the start of the regular season.
According to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle, the Texans have agreed to a four-year, $58 million extension with linebacker Zach Cunningham. The deal includes $23.5 million guaranteed.
2020 marks the final season of Cunningham's four-year rookie deal. The Texans won't have to worry about potentially losing him in 2021 free agency, and if necessary, they can use the franchise tag on somebody else.
Cunningham was drafted in the second round - 57th overall - by the Texans in 2017.
Through his first three NFL seasons, Cunningham recorded 3.5 sacks, three fumble recoveries, 13 passes defended and 339 combined tackles. He has been one of the most valuable players on a Texans defense that ranked near the bottom in every major category last season.
With Cunningham now signed long-term, the Texans now need to focus on a long-term extension for quarterback Deshaun Watson. The latter is under contract for two more seasons.
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The Cunningham extension caps off a busy offseason for head coach and de facto general manager Bill O'Brien. Back in April, he signed star offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil to a three-year, $66 million extension.
O'Brien also rebuilt the Texans offense with a handful of notable moves. He traded away Pro Bowl wideout DeAndre Hopkins to the Houston Texans, receiving veteran running back David Johnson as part of the return. He also signed veteran slot receiver Randall Cobb in free agency (a three-year, $27 million deal) before acquiring standout receiver Brandin Cooks from the Los Angeles Rams via trade.
The Texans have won consecutive AFC South division titles. Last season, they advanced to the Divisional Round, falling to the eventual Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs. The franchise has yet to reach the Conference Championship Game, but the pieces are there for Watson and company to go on a deep playoff run.
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