World Sport News

The Houston Texans have made another big deal before the start of their summer break: Linebacker Benardrick McKinney agreed with the team on an early contract extension.

McKinney signed a five-year contract in Houston on Thursday night. According to NFL network insider Ian Rapoport, the deal is worth up to 50 million dollars, 21 million of which are to be guaranteed.

McKinney, Houston’s 2015 second-round pick, would otherwise have entered the final year of his rookie contract.

The 25-year-old has become a pillar of the Texans front in recent years. With his speed, explosiveness and range, McKinney is a key building block for the defense, and last season he also achieved ten Tackles For Loss – a personal career record.

Managing Director Brian Gaine said in a statement: “Benardrick plays a key role in our defense and is an extremely productive player. Above all, however, he has developed into a leader of our team. We are pleased that we have been able to bind him for the long term.”