The Houston Texans on Saturday took care of some major business, signing franchise quarterback Deshaun Watson to a massive extension.
After just three seasons in the NFL, Watson netted a four-year, $156 million contract with $111 million in total guarantees. His $39 million annual salary now ranks No. 2 among quarterbacks behind Patrick Mahomes.
It goes without saying that Watson’s extension is music to the ears of other quarterbacks looking to collect a check like it’s Monopoly money. There’s also players at other positions in line for extensions. Here, we look at four players who could sign massive extensions after Watson’s deal.
Jamal Adams, safety, Seattle Seahawks
Adams’ contract situation with the New York Jets acted as a precursor to him being traded to the Pacific Northwest earlier this summer. A two-time Pro Bowl performer, the former top-10 pick wants to be the highest-paid safety in NFL history.
It’s not yet known whether Adams has engaged in extension talks with his new Seahawks team. What we do know is that any deal would surpass the record-breaking $14.75 million Budda Baker received annually on his recent extension with the Arizona Cardinals.
Dak Prescott, quarterback, Dallas Cowboys
One of the most talked about aspects of the NFL offseason was Prescott’s contract situation. After failing to come to a long-term agreement with Dallas, the Pro Bowl signal caller is slated to play under the $31.41 million franchise tag tender in 2020. He can’t sign a new contract until free agency opens next March.
With that said, Prescott’s new deal will likely earn him around $40 million. Watson’s extension only adds to that belief. Here’s a guy who put up north of 4,900 passing yards with 30 touchdowns and 11 interceptions last season. Whether it’s with the Cowboys or another team, Prescott will get his cash within the next six months. That’s for sure.
Dalvin Cook, running back, Minnesota Vikings
It appears that the two sides are far apart in extension negotiations after an eventful offseason. What we do know is that Cook is worth much more than his $1.33 million base salary heading into the 2020 season. The 25-year-old back recorded 1,654 total yards and 13 touchdowns last year. He’s slated to hit free agency following this season. That should lead to the Vikings making an extension a priority.
If Cook is not signed to a long-term deal, there’s a chance Minnesota could franchise him next March. That would make him a nice amount of cash. If this doesn’t happen, there’s a strong possibility that Cook will simply leave in free agency. Either way, expect a deal rivaling the four-year, $50 million extension Derrick Henry signed with the Tennessee Titans earlier this summer.
Jimmy Garoppolo, quarterback, San Francisco 49ers
As the market at quarterback continues to reset on a near never-ending loop, it seems like eons ago that Garoppolo inked a then-record extension with San Francisco back in February of 2018. Said deal called for $137.5 million over five seasons for an average salary of $27.5 million per year. Over two years later, and Garoppolo is now the 12th highest-paid quarterback in terms of average annual salary.
Coming off one of the best statistical performances for a quarterback in franchise history, Garoppolo could very well be in line for an extension following the 2020 season. He led San Francisco to a shocking Super Bowl appearance in 2019 and seems to be on an upward trajectory. If Garoppolo continues to improve, a deal averaging around $35 million per season could be in the cards.