HOUSTON -- The Texans have signed outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus to a four-year contract extension, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Mercilus, Houston's first-round pick in 2012, was set to become a free agent during the offseason.
This season, Mercilus got off to a fast start with five sacks, an interception and four forced fumbles in his first four games. His production then slowed, especially after the season-ending injury to J.J. Watt, who commanded a lot of attention from opposing offensive lines.
Mercilus has managed 7.5 sacks and two interceptions entering Houston's regular-season finale against the Tennessee Titans.