Deshaun Watson, Houston Texans Agree to Rookie Contract

The Houston Texans traded up to select quarterback Deshaun Watson with the 12th overall pick in the 2017 NFL draft, and on Friday they signed the former Clemson star to his rookie contract, per John McClain of the Houston Chronicle.

Under terms of the NFL's rookie wage scale, Watson's deal has an estimated total value of $13.9 million for four years with an $8.2 million estimated signing bonus, per Spotrac. There is also a team option for the fifth year.

During the draft, the Texans filled by far their biggest need with a quarterback who has championship experience, but it cost them their 2017 and 2018 first-round picks.

Houston possesses a roster otherwise capable of making a serious push toward the Super Bowl. The front office decided to go all-in on the upcoming campaign rather than risk watching another promising season slip away due to poor QB play.

Brian T. Smith of the Houston Chronicle passed along comments from Texans general manager Rick Smith, who felt confident taking the chance because Watson is a "winner."

"I've had conviction on this young man for quite some time. He's an impressive young man," he said. "The things that are important about [quarterback], in my opinion, this guy possesses."

Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reported the Texans were Watson's preferred landing spot all along:

He's not being promised anything right out of the gate, though. Smith said the rookie will be part of a competition with Tom Savage, who was penciled in as the starter before the draft-day trade.

Watson's upside will be tough to pass up, though.

Houston led the league in total defense last season. It also features a myriad offensive weapons, led by running back Lamar Miller; wide receivers DeAndre Hopkins, Will Fuller and Braxton Miller; and tight ends C.J. Fiedorowicz and Ryan Griffin.