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Deshaun Watson at the Houston Texans training camp
Photo: Brett Coomer / AP
NFL player Deshaun Watson has prematurely extended his contract with the Houston Texans for four years until 2025.
First ESPN had reported, a little later the confirmations by the player himself followed. According to the 24-year-old Watson, whose current contract runs until 2021, at least 111 million US dollars for the four following seasons.
Bonuses can increase the total volume of the contract up to $ 177.54 million - making it the second largest deal in NFL history.
Number one on the list is the contract Patrick Mahomes signed with the Kansas City Chiefs in July.
The Super Bowl winner's quarterback agreed with the Chiefs to work together until 2031 and could earn more than half a billion US dollars for it.
Mahomes and Watson have often been mentioned in the same breath since the beginning of their careers.
In 2017 they came together in the NFL, Mahomes in tenth place in the draft and Watson two positions behind.
Last season, the two quarterbacks met in the playoffs - Mahomes made a historic comeback against Houston, for Watson it was a humiliation and the end of the season.
New constellation in Houston
In the summer, the Texans gave up Watson's most important teammate, wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, who is one of the NFL's best passport recipients.
Together, Watson and Hopkins were an extremely dangerous passing duo, with Houston's management being heavily criticized for the decision.
In the coming season, Watson will primarily throw his previous teammate Will Fuller and his two new colleagues Brandin Cooks and Randall Cobb - solid receivers, but no stars.
Watson's advantage: He's one of the best-running quarterbacks in the NFL.
The first game of the season in the night from Thursday to Friday will show whether the new constellation works (2.20 a.m.).
The opponent is then called Kansas City with Patrick Mahomes.
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