Aggressive on, off field
Texans veteran outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus’ signature on a $54 million contract meant more to him than just a hefty financial reward.
It was a validation of what he’s meant to the franchise for eight years since being drafted in the first round out of Illinois.
The Texans invested $28.5 million guaranteed in their leading pass rusher to prevent him from leaving as a free agent. This marks the third time Mercilus has signed a contract with the Texans, including his original rookie deal and a four-year, $26 million extension from that contract that was expiring after this season.
By signing Mercilus, center Nick Martin (four-year, $33 million contract) and punter Bryan Anger (three-year, $7.5 million contract) to new deals, the Texans displayed their new aggressive philosophy toward retaining their own free agents and negotiating during the season.
That wasn’t the Texans’ negotiating policy under previous regimes, but these are dramatically different times under the authority of coach Bill O’Brien, who operates as a de facto general manager since the dismissal of general manager Brian Gaine.
“One of their models and philosophies as far as taking care of one of their own, especially guys who perform well for them and are very productive, it reflects that,” Mercilus said Sunday. “They’re changing up some things versus whatever they’ve done in the past, just being better as far as keeping the talent they want around before free agency. It didn’t really shock me.”
Mercilus, 29, commanded a strong contract that averages $13.5 million annually, making him the 16th-highest paid edge rusher in the league. The Pro Bowl alternate recorded a teamhigh 7½ sacks, four forced fumbles and two interceptions.
Now, Mercilus can continue his career with the Texans and expand his business and philanthropy pursuits off the field.
“It was cool,” Mercilus said. “It gives me a peace of mind to go out there and go play. I’m very happy about it. I’m very thankful for that. It goes back and forth. They came up with a good deal for me to stay here long-term. I’m happy to be a Texan long-term.”
Anger signed his contract Saturday, too, one day before the Texans’ regular-season finale loss to the Tennessee Titans.
Anger averaged 46.5 yards per punt with a 44.5 net and downed 24 inside opponents’ 20-yard lines. The former Jacksonville Jaguars third-round draft pick now has job security and a new deal after replacing Trevor Daniel at the start of the season.
“It’s always nice to get that,” Anger said. “Just had a good year. The coverage units, they killed it. Those guys helped me a lot.”
O’Brien said he’s happy to reward deserving candidates with new contracts. The deals are negotiated primarily by senior vice president of football administration Chris Olsen.
Other prime candidates for new contracts include Pro Bowl quarterback Deshaun Watson, Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil, running back Carlos Hyde, inside linebacker Zach Cunningham, cornerback Bradley Roby, Pro Bowl alternate defensive lineman D.J. Reader, defensive tackle Brandon Dunn and tight end Darren Fells.
“I think it’s always a good thing when you have guys in your locker room that are smart, though and dependable and they get rewarded for that,” O’Brien said. “I think one of the things we’re trying to do is try to get some guys done before free agency starts. And there’s a number of guys that we think are guys that have futures with us. Those are two examples, and it was good to get something done.”’