McKinney signs contract extension
Standing on the Texans’ practice field days ago, hard-hitting inside linebacker Benardrick McKinney said he would be honored if the team signed him to a long-term contract.
The Texans’ leading tackler emphasized that he wasn’t worried about the pace of negotiations between the team and his agent, Tony Fleming.
“I’m not going to stress myself,” McKinney said. “My job is to play football. That’s going to happen. I’m mostly just thinking about football, waking up trying to get on the grind.”
Two days later, those words came to fruition as the 25-year-old defensive standout signed a fiveyear, $50 million contract extension that includes $21 million guaranteed.
By signing the 6-4, 255pound former secondround draft pick from Mississippi State, the Texans
have secured a big piece of their defense.
McKinney has prototypical size and athleticism. He’s run the 40-yard dash in 4.65 seconds and recorded a 40½-inch vertical leap.
McKinney is a big, strong, mobile inside linebacker who’s capable of chasing down running backs and also doubling as an adept blitzer.
Throughout the offseason, Texans general manager Brian Gaine had reiterated that signing McKinney was a priority.
“Benardrick plays a key role in our defense and has been highly productive, but more importantly he is a core player who has developed into a team leader within our program,” Gaine said. “We are excited to have him a part of our long term future here at the Texans.”
Before signing this contract, McKinney was entering the final year of a four-year, $5.367 million rookie deal and was due a $1.163 million base salary this year.
McKinney led the Texans’ defense with 95 tackles last season, recorded three sacks and added a career-high 10 tackles for losses with one forced fumble.
The Texans feel like McKinney is in the top condition of his career after an offseason working with new strength and conditioning coach Luke Richesson.
McKinney said that he’s lost roughly five pounds and feels more flexible and quicker.
“He’s probably — I don’t want to speak for him — but when you look at the numbers, you look at his body comp numbers, his weight room numbers, he’s probably in the best shape of his career,” Texans coach Bill O’Brien said. “It shows out here on the field. He’s become a leader now going into his third year. I think he’s a very important part of our team and I’m glad he’s on our team.”
For his career, McKinney has 282 career tackles, nine sacks, 25 tackles for losses, 21 quarterback hits, two forced fumbles and three passes defensed in 46 games and 43 starts.
McKinney is the Texans’ designated defensive signal caller, communicating the schemes from defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel to his teammates via a device in his helmet.
“I definitely feel like a leader,” McKinney said. “I’m a vocal leader and I show it also.”
Pro Bowl recognition has eluded McKinney’s grasp. He emphasized that he still feels like an ascending young player.
“I don’t think I’m there yet,” McKinney said. “I know I’ve improved thanks to the coaches putting me in the right spots to make plays. I’m taking the coaching. I’ve matured a lot on the football field.
“The game is slowing down for me. It’s just different. The NFL is faster and more physical than college, but I kind of feel like my junior year of college. I’m taking on a leadership role and being a great linebacker.”