Texans Sign OT Winston To Five-Year, $30M Deal

Houston, TX (AHN) - The Houston Texans awarded offensive tackle Eric Winston a five-year, $30 million contract extension prior to the Texans departure for Sunday's opener at Pittsburgh.

The deal includes a $6 million signing bonus and $10 million in guaranteed money.

After being drafted 66th overall in 2006, Winston initially signed a three-year contract that was due to expire after this season.

General manager Rick Smith wanted to avoid the possibility of Winston becoming an unrestricted free agent after his contract expires.

The 6-foot-5, 283-pound Winston played seven games as a rookie and 16 last season.