Houston Texans pass-rushing linebacker Whitney Mercilus and punter Bryan Anger received contract extensions, the team announced Saturday.
While the Texans did not divulge the terms of the deals, the Houston Chronicle reported that Mercilus was presented with a four-year contract extension worth $54 million, with $24.5 million guaranteed.
The newspaper also reported that Anger was handed a three-year deal worth $7.5 million.
Mercilus was set to become an unrestricted free agent after completing a four-year, $26 million contract this season. The 29-year-old has 48 tackles, including 7 1/2 sacks, and a career-high four forced fumbles in 15 games this season.
The 2012 first-round pick has played all eight of his NFL seasons in Houston, recording 324 tackles and 50 sacks in 114 games (88 starts). His two career interceptions came this season.
Mercilus made two sacks in last week’s 23-20 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, after which coach Bill O’Brien told reporters he wanted the team to re-sign him.
“We want Whitney back,” O’Brien said. “We want Whitney back here and we want him to be a part of the team for a while.”
Anger averaged 46.2 yards per kick and a career-high net average of 44.1 yards during his first season in Houston. The 31-year-old has competed in 125 games with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Buccaneers and Texans.
