The Houston Texans want Deshaun Watson around for a "long time" as they look to sort a contract extension for their star quarterback, according to Bill O'Brien.

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.