Houston Texans

Wide receiver Cobb has agreed a three-year, $27million deal with Houston that contains $18.75m in guarantees, according to NFL Network.

The move came after star wideout Hopkins was stunningly sent to the Cardinals in a package that saw running back David Johnson move in the other direction.

Houston also netted a second-round draft pick this year and a fourth-rounder next year, while sending away their 2020 fourth-round selection.

Four-time All-Pro Hopkins later tweeted to say the city of Houston will "forever be loved" and stated his new goal was to bring a championship to Arizona.

As well as adding Cobb and Johnson, the Texans have re-signed cornerback Bradley Roby, tight end Darren Fells, quarterback AJ McCarron and kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn.

Cobb, 29, spent last season with the Dallas Cowboys and caught 55 passes for 828 yards before hitting free agency.

The slot receiver had spent the first eight years of his career with the Green Bay Packers, striking up an impressive connection with QB Aaron Rodgers.

The new deal includes nearly $58m in guaranteed money, including a $40m signing bonus, and makes the 2019 Pro Bowler the highest-paid player in the league at his position. The Philadelphia Eagles' Lane Johnson had been the NFL's best-paid tackle at $18m per year.  

After taking years of criticism over not protecting franchise quarterback Deshaun Watson well enough, head coach and general manager Bill O'Brien paid a heavy price last offseason to acquire Tunsil – along with wide receiver Kenny Stills – from the Miami Dolphins, giving up a 2020 first-round draft pick and 2021 picks in the first and second rounds.  

The Dolphins used the 2020 pick to trade down four spots on Thursday and select Auburn cornerback Noah Igbinoghene in the opening round.

Tunsil, the 13th overall pick in the 2016 draft, was widely regarded as a top-five talent but landed himself in off-field trouble after a video purportedly showing him using a gas mask to inhale a substance surfaced online shortly before he was drafted.   

He has started 61 of a possible 67 career games, including three postseason games. Just as he did at the University of Mississippi, Tunsil has proven to be one of the NFL's most athletic and talented offensive linemen but has been prone to lapses in concentration.  

Tunsil allowed six sacks in 2017 and committed eight false start penalties. In 2019, he was flagged 12 times for false starts in the regular season – five more than any other player in the league – and committed the infraction twice more in the postseason.  

Heading into the second and third rounds of the draft on Friday, the Texans had the 40th and 90th overall selections.  

The Texans blew a 24-0 lead in Kansas City as the red-hot Chiefs rallied to win 51-31 en route to the AFC Championship Game on Sunday.

Houston conceded 41 consecutive points, with the Chiefs becoming the first team in history to win a postseason game by at least 20 points after trailing by at least 20.

Texans quarterback Watson, though, stood by O'Brien – who has been in charge since 2014.

"There's no doubt," Watson told reporters when asked whether O'Brien is the right coach for the Texans. "I mean, you might have doubt, but there's no doubt. I mean, I love that man. I'm going to play hard for that man. Y'all can say whatever you want to say through all the media and all the writing, but as long as I'm at quarterback, he's cool with me.

"He's got my heart. He's going to get all of my 110 per cent every time I step on that field. So y'all can say whatever, but [I'll] always be rooting for that man and going to play hard for him."

The Texans entered the divisional-round contest having topped the Buffalo Bills in a wild-card clash – their second playoff win under O'Brien.

Houston also wrapped up their fourth AFC South crown in five seasons as they eyed a first conference championship appearance.

O'Brien said: "I feel like we are moving in the right direction. I think we did a lot of good things this year. Not enough, obviously. I feel good about where we are headed."

Quarterback Watson, who is now at the Cleveland Browns, was sued by 24 women who accused him of sexual misconduct during massage sessions in 2020 and 2021, when he was with the Texans.

Twenty of those civil lawsuits recently ended with confidential settlements, while Watson has vehemently denied any wrongdoing. 

Now ESPN have reported the Texans have agreed to settle with the 30 women, according to a statement from the attorney for the women, Tony Buzbee, who added the settlements were confidential.

"We were shocked and deeply saddened when we first learned of the allegations against our then franchise quarterback in March 2021," Texans owners Janice, Hannah and Cal McNair said in a statement, as quoted by ESPN.

"Although our organisation did not have any knowledge of Deshaun Watson's alleged misconduct, we have intentionally chosen to resolve this matter amicably.

"This is not an admission of any wrongdoing, but instead a clear stand against any form of sexual assault and misconduct.

"We hope that today's resolution will provide some form of closure to the parties involved, our fans and the Houston community at large.

"As an organisation, we will now turn our focus to the future and doing what we can to ensure respect for all."

A retired federal judge will make a decision on Watson's immediate NFL future, with a hearing already under way to determine whether he violated the league's personal conduct policy.

Pierce, a fourth-round pick in this year's NFL Draft, took over as the Texans' starting running back in Week 2, and has gone on to rack up 939 rushing yards in 13 games to lead all rookies.

He has also been strongly involved in his team's passing game, with his 30 receptions the second-most by any rookie running back, trailing only Rachaad White (40 catches) of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, Pierce awkwardly twisted his ankle in the fourth quarter of a narrow 27-23 loss – a game where the Texans entered the contest as 17-point underdogs.

ESPN reports he will miss "up to three weeks", which would not be season-ending, but he may very well be shut down during that period.

Despite Pierce's strong play, the Texans own the worst record in the league at 1-11-1 and are pencilled in for the number one pick in next year's draft – a position they would like to hold onto.

Pierce has already done enough to ensure his position as Week 1 starter next season, and with only four games remaining in the current campaign, it remains to be seen if the Texans will bring him back for the final fixture as the timeframe may allow.

Smith has just completed his first season with the Texans, where he is associate head coach and defensive coordinator.

However, the 63-year-old – who was the head coach of the Chicago Bears from 2004 to 2012 and led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2014 to 2015 – is now expected to be promoted to the head coach role.

The Texans fired first-year head coach David Culley last month after a disappointing 2021 in which Houston went 4-13.

Smith was named the NFL Coach of the Year in 2005 and has reached two Super Bowls, with the Bears in 2006 and as defensive coordinator of the Los Angeles Rams in 2001.

He has won 89 games as a head coach in the NFL, losing 87 and is replacing the only coach to have been sacked after just one season in the history of the Texans franchise.

Eight of the nine head-coaching roles that were vacant heading into the NFL's offseason have now been filled.

On Monday, the Texans added a starting tight end to their roster, signing Dalton Schultz to a one-year deal worth up to $9million, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

Schultz did not have the market he might have anticipated after his contract with the Dallas Cowboys expired, but he will have the chance to cash in next offseason if he can thrive in Houston playing with the quarterback whom the Texans will almost certainly select with the second overall pick in the NFL Draft.

Last season, Schultz finished with 577 receiving yards and five touchdowns, having racked up 808 yards and eight touchdowns in 2021.

His 13 receiving touchdowns over the last two seasons rank fifth among tight ends.

Houston also added to their backfield, signing former Buffalo Bills running back Devin Singletary.

Singletary is unlikely to be the starter following the emergence of Dameon Pierce, who had 939 rushing yards and four touchdowns on the ground as a rookie.

Also arriving on a one-year deal, according to multiple reports, Singletary gives the Texans versatile depth at running back.

He has produced over 1,000 yards from scrimmage in each of the last two seasons. In 2022, he finished with 819 yards rushing and five touchdowns, as well as 280 yards receiving and a further touchdown through the air.

Singletary has 2,197 scrimmage yards since 2021, putting him 20th among running backs across that span.

Many had expected the Texans to take a pass protector or an edge rusher with their top choice.

However, after the Jacksonville Jaguars took Travon Walker and the Detroit Lions selected Aidan Hutchinson, the Texans instead elected to boost their secondary with Stingley.

Stingley was many observers' second-ranked corner in the class behind Cincinnati's Ahmad 'Sauce' Gardner.

But the Texans have backed Stingley to rediscover his remarkable form of his freshman year at LSU in 2019, when he helped the Tigers to a National Championship.

Stingley had six interceptions and 15 pass breakups that year, but he struggled to replicate that level of play in 2020 and missed most of 2021 through injury.

He will be tasked with improving a pass defense that allowed the third-most yards per pass play (7.12) in 2021.

The Jets (7.11) were fourth on that list and immediately followed the Texans by taking Gardner with the fourth overall pick.

Tunsil, previously became the highest-paid at his position back in 2020 when he signed a three-year, $66m deal after arriving in a blockbuster trade from the Miami Dolphins.

His new deal, which he again negotiated himself without an agent, includes a $30m signing bonus and $60m in total guarantees, per ESPN's report.

The 28-year-old is coming off his third Pro Bowl selection, and finished third in All-Pro voting among left tackles.

Tunsil's extension is a reward for yet another stellar season where he ranked among the best in the NFL, anchoring an offensive line that allowed 38 sacks, the 14th-fewest in the league. 

His pass block win rate (91.9 per cent) was 17th among offensive tackles, as he allowed only one sack (tied for second-fewest) and 17 pressures (sixth-fewest).

The Texans are expected to select their quarterback of the future in the upcoming NFL draft and have now locked up a premier blindside protector to make his life easier.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Texans will also receive a second-round pick in April's draft and a fourth-round pick for 2021.

Running back Johnson appeared to confirm the move with a post on Twitter.

He wrote: "LET'S GO HOUSTON!!! See you soon."

Wide receiver Hopkins recorded his third successive 1,000-yard season in 2019 but has been sacrificed after tailbacks Carlos Hyde and Lamar Miller entered free agency.

Johnson endured a disappointing season last year, with 370 receiving yards in addition to 345 on the ground. He finished with six total touchdowns.

The Cardinals moved to ensure they are not left short in the running back position by placing the transition tag on Kenyan Drake on Monday, meaning they can match any offer he receives in free agency.

Laremy Tunsil became the highest-paid offensive lineman in the NFL on Friday, the Texans handing the tackle a three-year, $66million extension.

Now the focus switches to Watson, a two-time Pro Bowler in the final year of his rookie deal in Houston, who selected the QB with the 12th pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.

O'Brien, who serves as the team's head coach and general manager, confirmed preliminary discussions have taken place, though warned such negotiations take time to complete.

"Look, I think any time we can try to get something done with Deshaun would be great, but again, these things take time," O'Brien said.

"I don't want to get into all the details of it. I know there's a lot out there about where we are.

"We have a great relationship with Deshaun. We have a great relationship with his agent. Very good open lines of communication.

"We really haven't gotten into the details of anything right now, but obviously we want Deshaun Watson to be the quarterback here for a long time, so we'll see how it all plays out."

Watson threw for 3,852 yards with 26 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 2019, helping the Texans reach the playoffs.

Houston defeated the Buffalo Bills in the Wildcard round but then let slip a 24-0 lead at the Kansas City Chiefs, going down 51-31 to opponents who went on to win the Super Bowl.

The Texans face the Indianapolis Colts in an AFC South battle on Sunday with both teams struggling on 1-4 records and trailing the division-leading Tennessee Titans (3-2).

Houston will look to get their season on track against the Colts without Tunsil, who suffered a torn UCL in his thumb during the 25-22 loss to the New England Patriots in Week 5. He had initially hoped to play through the injury.

Texans head coach David Culley confirmed the surgery for star left tackle Tunsil, who was a Pro Bowler in 2019 and 2020, with the team "not really sure" how accurate the four-week recovery timeline will prove to be.

He also reiterated Tyrod Taylor will be the team's starting quarterback when he returns from a hamstring injury, but rookie backup Davis Mills will again start in his stead against the Colts.

"[Taylor] gives us the best chance to win," Culley said, per ESPN. 

"He's our starting quarterback. He was our starting quarterback when he went down. He was doing an excellent job. When he comes back, he'll still be our starting quarterback."

The Colts, meanwhile, will welcome wide receiver T.Y. Hilton back to the practice field on Wednesday with the hope he can soon be activated off injured reserve.

Hilton had to undergo neck surgery ahead of the 2021 NFL season

"Certainly excited to have T.Y. back in the fold and out on the field," said Colts coach Frank Reich. 

"Obviously that's a big, emotional boost to the team."

The Colts now have a three-week window in which they can activate four-time Pro Bowler Hilton off injured reserve, with the prospect of him facing the Texans not yet ruled out.

Fuller has enjoyed a career-best season for the Texans, registering 53 catches for 879 yards and eight touchdowns.

The 26-year-old is out of contract with the Texans at the end of the campaign, however, and is set to become one of the league's most sought-after free agents, meaning Fuller may well have played his last game for Houston.

In a post on his official Instagram account, Fuller confirmed he had been banned for six games – the final five of this season and the opener of the 2021 campaign – for a PED (performance-enhancing drug) violation.

Fuller claimed that he had been prescribed a medication he thought was allowed in the league's drug policy, but his trust "was misplaced".

"Earlier this year, I sought treatment from a medical professional who prescribed medication that he believed to be permitted under the NFL's drug policy," Fuller wrote.

"As it turns out, my trust in this professional was misplaced because this medication was NOT a permitted substance under the NFL Policy on Performance Enhancing Substances.

"As a result of this mistake, I have been suspended for six games for taking this prohibited medication. I want to sincerely apologise to the Texans organisation and all of my fans for this mistake. I am looking forward to putting this all behind me and returning better than ever in 2021."

Should Fuller fail to agree to a new deal with the Texans, he will at least have ended his time with the team on a high note, having totalled 171 receiving yards and two touchdowns in a 41-25 win over the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving. 

The Titans went into Sunday's encounter on a six-game winning streak, including victories over the Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Rams.

But that was remarkably ended by the Texans, who claimed only their second win of the season with a 22-13 triumph in sodden conditions.

Ryan Tannehill was intercepted four times, with a Titans attack missing Derrick Henry and Julio Jones scoring just 13 points against a Texans team that has given up the fourth-most (264) in the NFL.

The Titans also lost top receiver A.J. Brown to a chest injury, but neither Vrabel nor Tannehill made any excuses for a dismal offensive showing.

"I think we've seen Ryan perform at a high level," Vrabel said. "Offensive football at any level takes 11 guys.

"There was a lot of good football out there, unfortunately we turned the football over too many times. Our defense battled. Our offense was its own worst enemy."

Tannehill added: "We just kept shooting ourselves in the foot you know?

"Turnovers, turnover on downs, penalties. We shot ourselves in the foot all day. And we got to get better and it starts with me."

The Titans remain in top spot in the AFC with an 8-3 record, but could be unseated by the New England Patriots (7-4) should they lose in Foxborough in Week 12. 

In his 11th season in the NFL, Taylor will play for his fifth team after stints with the Los Angeles Chargers, Cleveland Browns and Buffalo Bills since being drafted by the Baltimore Ravens.

According to a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter, the deal for the 32-year-old includes $8.5m in guaranteed money.

The Giants did not immediately confirm the deal, but Taylor changed his Twitter bio to identify himself as a "current New York Giant".

He also posted the tweet: "NYC!!!!!"

Taylor lost his starting role with the Chargers after an injection resulted in a punctured lung shortly before kick-off against the Chiefs in September 2020, with rookie first-round pick Justin Herbert getting the start and taking over as the franchise quarterback.

However, instead of being dominated by news of players losing their jobs, it was those who received significant paydays who made the headlines.

Deshaun Watson was the first of three players to receive lucrative extensions, while a high-profile free agent finally found a new home.

Here we recap a free-spending Saturday in the NFL.

Deshaun Watson: No problems for Houston as QB signs massive deal

The Texans star quarterback kicked off a busy day of NFL news when it was revealed he had signed a four-year, $160million extension with Houston.

Watson will have an average annual base salary of $39million over the next four years, the highest in the league in that timeframe.

It is a deal he undoubtedly deserves. Watson has propelled the Texans to the ranks of AFC contenders and had them 24-0 up in the Divisional Round of the playoffs against the Kansas City Chiefs before Patrick Mahomes propelled his team to the first of three comeback wins in their run to the Super Bowl title.

He is one of the top young quarterbacks in the NFL but will have a more difficult task on his hands this year, with head coach and de-facto GM Bill O'Brien having traded away his favourite target, DeAndre Hopkins, for a remarkably scant return this offseason.

For Watson to complete his ascension to the NFL elite with a Lombardi Trophy, the Texans and O'Brien may have to part ways.

KEY STAT: Since entering the league in 2017, Watson ranks fourth among all quarterbacks in yards per attempt. He has averaged 8.07 yards per pass.

Keenan Allen: Chargers reward route-running phenom with extension

Though he does not receive the same attention as the likes of Michael Thomas and Hopkins, Allen has firmly established himself as one of the league's premier wide receivers.

A route-running savant who has fought back from injury derailed seasons in 2015 and 2016, Allen received his just reward for three outstanding seasons since the Los Angeles Chargers left their former home of San Diego.

He agreed to terms on a four-year extension worth over $80m, keeping him with the Chargers through the 2024 season.

The Chargers picked quarterback Justin Herbert with the sixth overall pick this year and Allen maintaining his stellar form will be critical to their new franchise passer living up to his draft status.

KEY STAT: Allen has been named to the Pro Bowl in each of the past three seasons (2017-19). In that time, he has 3,788 receiving yards. Only Julio Jones, Thomas and Hopkins have more in the same period.

Tre'Davious White: Bills extend All-Pro cornerback at a bargain rate

Arguably the most important player on an excellent Buffalo Bills defense, cornerback White was named a first-team All-Pro in 2019.

He will be paid at a level that reflects his status after agreeing a four-year extension worth $69m with $55m in guarantees. 

Yet, with some anticipating the Bills would have to pay White around $20m a season, Buffalo appears to have got something of a steal.

If he continues to improve and help the Bills dethrone the New England Patriots in the AFC East, general manager Brandon Beane will see it as money well spent.

KEY STAT: White has 43 pass breakups and 12 interceptions since entering the league in 2017. He had a league-leading six interceptions in 2019.

Jadeveon Clowney: Star pass rusher takes his talents to Tennessee

The longest-running free agency saga of the 2020 offseason came to a conclusion as pass rusher Clowney decided to sign for the Tennessee Titans.

Inexplicably not re-signed by the Seattle Seahawks, Clowney was subject to a late push for his services from the New Orleans Saints.

A former team-mate of Watson in Houston, he will reportedly receive a one-year, $12m contract, bolstering a defense already blessed with significant talent on the front and in the secondary.

After coming agonisingly close to reaching the Super Bowl last season, Clowney could be the player that puts the Titans over the top, though among his first tasks will be helping them keep Watson at bay in the AFC South.

KEY STAT: Clowney is fifth in the NFL in stuffs - defensive stops at or before the line of scrimmage - since entering the league in 2014 with 48.

Watson was handed an 11-game suspension and a $5million fine following sexual assault and misconduct allegations. The 27-year-old has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and is facing no criminal charges.

He has now completed that ban, meaning he is set to play for the first time in 700 days on Sunday.

The quarterback will be taking on the Houston Texans, the team he represented at the time of his last NFL game.

Speaking on Thursday, Watson made clear he was focusing on the game, rather than facing questions relating to his suspension.

"I understand that you guys have a lot of questions. But with my legal team and my clinical team, there's only football questions I can really address at this time," he told reporters.

Asked why he agreed to the suspension, he replied: "I was just trying whatever I could do to play football in 2022.

"Most of the settlement stuff with the NFL was mostly my agency and legal team. I had no control. My main focus was doing everything I needed to do to play this year."

A return to action in Houston could provide a fierce atmosphere for Watson to cope with, but that is not something he is thinking about.

"Like I said, I'm focusing on just being the starting quarterback and executing the game plan," he said. "That's my main focus."

The Browns traded for Watson in March before signing him to a fully guaranteed $230m five-year deal.

The Dolphins were reportedly favourites to land Watson before Tuesday's NFL deadline as the three-time Pro Bowler was believed to have been willing to waive his no-trade clause.

It sparked uncertainty over the future of second-year QB Tua Tagovailoa, however, a trade for Watson did not materialise.

Grier was asked about Miami's interest in Watson – who is yet to play this season – on Wednesday and he told reporters midweek: "We never got to a point where anything was going to be realistic in terms of happening.

"It was still us just doing our due diligence, just talking through things. We never got to a point where anything was that close to happening."

Topping 4,000 yards for the second time in his career as he racked up 4,823 to lead the league, Watson threw for 33 touchdowns and seven interceptions last season.

Fifth in the NFL in air yards per attempt (9.27), according to Stats Perform data, Watson did an excellent job of balancing his aggression with smart decision-making.

Watson threw a pickable pass on just 2.28 per cent of his attempts, the fourth-lowest rate in the NFL last term.

This season, Tagovailoa has 103 completions for 1,040 yards, seven touchdowns and five interceptions in five games.

"I don't think it's any different than any player on the roster, honestly," Grier said. "Because if there's a player available around the league that's viewed as being one of the top players in the league at any position, I think you look at it and try to go for it.

"We're very happy with Tua. We think he's developing well. Brian has been very consistent with his message, and we have been as well.

"He's working hard, he's showing a lot of improvement and we think he'll continue to develop and be the player he should be."

Watson will remain in Houston until at least the end of the season and Texans GM Nick Caserio added: "The veracity of some of what has been reported is a little bit stretched. But that's just the nature of how these things work.

"There were various levels of discussions, specific to him and specific to other players as well. In the end, there was no trade that came to fruition, so I don't really have any comment about some of the logistics and the mechanics about what happened and what hasn't happened, what did happen."

Watson led the winning drive in a thrilling OT as the rallying Texans prevailed 22-19 to progress in the NFL playoffs after trailing by double digits in the second half.

After throwing a touchdown and running for a score in regulation, Watson stepped up in overtime by evading a sack and finding Taiwan Jones for a 34-yard reception to set up first-and-goal.

Ka'imi Fairbairn then converted the 28-yard field goal to give the Texans their first playoff victory since 2016 as the Bills' postseason losing streak stretched to six games.

The Texans will face either the Kansas City Chiefs or Baltimore Ravens in the divisional round depending on the outcome of the wild-card clash between the New England Patriots and Tennessee Titans.

Led by Josh Allen, the Bills impressed away from home in Houston – where they raced out to a 13-0 half-time lead.

Bills quarterback Allen, who threw for 264 yards and ran for 92, had a 42-yard run on the opening drive, which resulted in a 16-yard touchdown on a trick play after receiving a pass from John Brown.

A pair of field goals from Stephen Hauschka extended Buffalo's lead in the second quarter before the Bills kicker added another in the third period for a 16-0 advantage.

The Texans, though, came storming back with 19 unanswered points to take the lead thanks to Watson's 20-yard TD run late in the third quarter and his throw to Carlos Hyde with less than five minutes remaining in regulation.

However, Hauschka's 47-yard field goal forced OT with five seconds remaining before Watson – who had 247 yards and run for 55 yards – inspired the Texans in overtime.

Watson was on the tracking block after requesting a move from the Texans in January as the three-time Pro Bowler faces 22 civil lawsuits that remain unresolved as the NFL conducts its own investigation into sexual assault and misconduct allegations against him.

The Miami Dolphins were reportedly favourites to land Watson, who was believed to have waived his no-trade clause, while the Carolina Panthers and Philadelphia Eagles had also been interested.

But Watson – who has been inactive during the 2021 season – is staying put after an agreement was not reached prior to the deadline.

Topping 4,000 yards for the second time in his career as he racked up 4,823 to lead the league, Watson threw for 33 touchdowns and seven interceptions last season.

Fifth in the NFL in air yards per attempt (9.27), according to Stats Perform data, Watson did an excellent job of balancing his aggression with smart decision-making.

Indeed, the 26-year-old threw a pickable pass on just 2.28 per cent of his attempts, the fourth-lowest rate in the NFL last term.