National Football League

Texans sign extension with LB Mercilus

Published May. 4, 2015 8:27 p.m. ET

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HOUSTON (AP) The Houston Texans signed outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus to a four-year contract extension on Monday.

A first-round draft pick in 2012, Mercilus has appeared in 47 games (33 starts) and has made 139 tackles, 18 sacks, 21 tackles for loss, forced four fumbles and had one fumble recovery. Last season, Mercilus had 50 tackles and five sacks.

Playing on the opposite side from NFL Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt, Mercilus was set to make $1.43 million this year under his rookie contract. The Texans chose not to exercise their option for a fifth season on that deal and reworked the contact with the extension.

Mercilus was the 26th overall pick out of Illinois in 2012.

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