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A league source tells us that the Houston Texans have signed right tackle Eric Winston to a five-year, $30 million extension.
The deal includes $10 million in guaranteed money.
Winston was the second player selected in the third round of the 2006 draft. His rookie deal runs through the 2008 season, and he was due to earn $445,000 this year.
He appeared in twelve games and started seven as a rookie. Last year, he started every game for the Texans.
We’re told that the deal makes him one of the three highest-paid right tackles in the league.
September 6th, 2008 at 9:28 am
Winston was eligible for RFA status after this season and there was no way the Texans were going to let this guy get away. I’d like to thank the 31 other teams for passing up on him (twice) in the 2006 draft for reasons like ‘arms too short’ or ‘not sure he will be the same after the ACL.’ (junior year at the U)
He was a top of the 3rd round steal - and I think the drop on draft day really motivated him.
Eric is a bright and engaging guy and is becoming a helluva NFL tackle. Well deserved.
A Drew Rosenhaus client I might add.
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September 6th, 2008 at 9:51 am
“We’re told that the deal makes him one of the three highest-paid right tackles in the league.”
Did that come directly from the agent?
Since he protects the blindside of a left-handed QB, how do those numbers compare to others in that capacity…the left tackles for most teams?
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September 6th, 2008 at 10:02 am
Who is this left handed Texans QB you speak of?
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September 6th, 2008 at 11:38 am
Winston is a good talent, and was worth the extention. He has become the leader of the o-line. Great for the team to keep its talent around.
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September 6th, 2008 at 8:40 pm
Schaub and Rosenfels are both right handed. Winston is a tremendous run-blocker and a good pass blocker - certainly worth the money.
The Texans 2006 draft looks simply awesome at this point: two pro-bowl calibre defenders in Williams and Ryans, a top right tackle in Winston, a very good pass-catching tight end in Owen Daniels, and a useful possession receiver in David Anderson. Even Wali Lundy contributed more than most 6th round picks, starting several games before he was cut. Only Charles Spencer was a bust, and that was desperately unlucky: he won the starting LT gig in camp and looked great until suffering a horrific freak injury in week 2 of that season.
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