Details of Houston Texans outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus’ four-year extension have been revealed.
According to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle, the former 2012 first-round pick’s extension is worth $54 million, an average of $13.5 million annually, and $24.5 million of that deal is guaranteed.
Whitney Mercilus' four-year contract extension is worth $54 million, according to sources. That's an average of $13.5 million per year. He gets $24.5 million guaranteed
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) December 28, 2019
According to Over the Cap, the Texans are projected to have $74.3 million in salary cap space in 2020. The Mercilus contract would also cost them $13.5 million in 2020, which would be the third-highest salary on the roster behind defensive end J.J. Watt ($15.5 million) and receiver DeAndre Hopkins ($14 million), according to preliminary figures from Over the Cap.
Mercilus has collected 48 tackles, 7.5 sacks, two pass breakups, two interceptions, four forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery in his 15 starts for the Texans. When the club traded edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney on Aug. 31, Mercilus became the complementary presence to Watt’s pass rushing prowess on the other side. When Watt tore his pectoral muscle on Oct. 27, Mercilus became the point of attack for Houston’s defense in rushing opposing quarterbacks.