Team shows trust in Cunningham with $58M deal

Zach Cunningham soaked up the feeling as the reality hit him that the Texans were investing a $58 million contract in him.

The statement of significant trust resonated deeply with the Pro Bowl alternate inside linebacker.

“I would definitely have to put this at the top for me,” said Cunningham when asked Monday to rank his career milestones.

After earning a four-year extension negotiated between his agent, Kyle McCarthy of Athletes First, Texans executive vice president of football operations Jack Easterby and director of football administration Kevin Krajcovic. That makes him the third-highest-paid inside linebacker in the NFL, and Cunningham is determined to justify their faith.

“It definitely meant a lot to me,” said Cunningham, whose contract includes $23.5 million fully guaranteed and $32.4 million guaranteed for injury. “Just when I got word back that we finally got the deal done, I was just very excited. Just to take it all in, that was crazy enough for me, and then I was able to call my family and give them the news, that was definitely a big moment for me.

“Just from their standpoint being able to lock me in, it kind of told me they have a great amount of trust in me. They believe in me, believe what I can do for the program. The sentiment is the same for me. I believe that I have a lot to give to the program.”

A former second-round draft pick from Vanderbilt, Cunningham led the AFC with 142 tackles last season. He led all NFL players in run stop rate, according to Pro Football Focus.

“We were very happy to be able to get something done,” said Texans coach and general manager Bill O’Brienl. “Zach is a really good football player, a very important part of our team. I think it was important. I think the way myself and Jack and Kevin Krajcovic and Cal ( McNair) think about this is if a guy is playing well and is a really good person in the community, you’re going to do whatever you can to try to make that guy a part of your team for a long time.”

A former second-round draft pick from Vanderbilt, Cunningham was entering the final year of a four-year $4.47 million rookie contract before agreeing to terms on his extension.

Working hard on Watson talks

As the Texans continue negotiations with quarterback Deshaun Watson with talks characterized as amicable and productive, Bill O’Brien reiterated a desire to get a long-term deal done with the former Clemson star.

Whenever the deal gets done, Watson will become one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in NFL history. An average of $40 million to $42 million is expected.

“I don’t really want to get into specific contract talks, but quite obviously we want Deshaun Watson to be here for a long time,” O’Brien said. “He’s had a great training camp, he’s a great player and we’re going to work hard to get that done.”

Stapleton breaks shoulder bone

Rookie tight end Dylan Stapleton suffered a small fracture in his shoulder while diving to catch a pass, according to league sources not authorized to speak publicly.

The initial diagnosis is the undrafted free agent from James Madison won’t need surgery, but an injury settlement is likely and he could be out five to seven weeks.

Team releases three players

The Texans released dualthreat quarterback Alex McGough, veteran linebacker Daren Bates, an accomplished special-teams contributor, and defensive tackle Albert Huggins.

McGough and Huggins were with the Texans last season. Bates is a former Titans, Rams and Raiders special-teams captain.