TEXANS EXERCISE OPTION ON WATSON’S CONTRACT

The Texans have exercised their fifth-year 2021 club option for Pro Bowl quarterback Deshaun Watson, according to league sources not authorized to speak publicly.

It's essentially a procedural formality because the team intends to negotiate a huge deal with the former first-round draft pick from Clemson. Watson's fifth-year option is projected to cost $17.3 million.

Watson is scheduled to make $4.4 million in 2020, including $1.177 million in base salary.

Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson signed a four-year, $140 million contract extension a year ago.  Both Watson and Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes will see similar money sometime in the near future.