The Texans drafted Nick Martin back in 2015. It’s year four of his rookie contract, meaning it’s time to pay the prophet, and Martin would be an unrestricted free agent after the season. Now, Martin hasn’t been a good center for Houston. He’s a crappy run blocker who struggles at reaching the shoulder with strength and doesn’t block the second level well. He’s a fine pass blocker, but a pass blocking center is like a designated hitter with speed. It’s cool and all, but it’s not as important as hitting.
Rather than wait the rest of the season to see if Martin improves, Bill O’Brien and his Articles Of Confederation bet on Martin to improve this season, and signed him to a 3-year $33 million extension with $18.