The Texans have locked up their long snapped Jon Weeks to a long-term extension, reports John McClain of the Houston Chronicle (via Twitter). The new contract will keep him with the team for four years through 2019. It is worth $3.9MM total, with $330,000 in guaranteed money (via Twitter).
Weeks was excited to be part of the future in Houston, according to Mark Berman of Fox Sports 26 (via Twitter). “I’m speechless. I’m thrilled. I’m humbled,” said Weeks. “I’m incredibly thankful and excited to be here for that long.”
Berman also passed along quotes from Weeks, including where he credited Texans punter Shane Lechler for helping him on his path to becoming a mainstay in professional football (via Twitter).
“I’m very thankful for Shane. Shane’s been a great help.He’s one of the reasons I’m the player I am today,” said Weeks. “I had so many emotions today. I never imagined I would get to sign one of these, let alone a third one.”
Weeks declared for the 2008 NFL Draft but was not selected. The former Baylor Bear eventually signed on with the Texans as an undrafted free agent. He took over long snapping duties in 2010, and this new contract will keep him starting the play on punts and field goals almost until the end of the decade.
Of his guaranteed money, $250,000 comes by way of a signing bonus, and an additional $80,000 is guaranteed base salary, writes Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle (via Twitter). Wilson also adds that the base salaries for Weeks going forward will escalate from $825,000 this year and next, up to $930,000 in 2019 (via Twitter).