Deshaun Watson now the highest-paid player in NFL over the next four seasons

According to reports, the Houston Texans have agreed to a four-year, $160 million contract extension with former Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson.

Watson will make $39 million per year making him the highest-paid player in the NFL over those four seasons. 

Earlier this year Patrick Mahomes’ signed the largest deal ($45M/year) in NFL history and Watson’s deal is the second-largest ever worth $177.54 million with nearly $111 million in guarantees according to ESPN.

“In his first three seasons, Watson has played in 38 regular-season games, completing 66.8% of his passes for 9,716 yards, 71 touchdowns and 29 interceptions. He is one of just 11 players to throw for 70 or more touchdowns in his first three seasons, according to ESPN Stats & Information research.”

It will be interesting to see what the Texans look like this season as Watson lost his top target and perhaps the best wideout in the NFL, after former Clemson receiver Nuk Hopkins was traded to the Arizona Cardinals. 

Watson led Clemson to back-to-back national championship games, closing his career winning a national title, with a last-second touchdown pass to Hunter Renfrow, securing the 2016 National Championship 35-31 over Alabama.