The architect of the defending AFC South champions is sticking with his project.
The Houston Texans have extended general manager Rick Smith's contract through 2020, the team announced Friday.
"We are thrilled to announce a four-year contract extension for Rick Smith," owner Bob McNair said in a statement. "I believe it is critical to have stability within an organization and Rick is an important part of our team. He knows what our objectives are and is well-respected within our organization and throughout the league. This extension helps us build toward our goal of long-term success in the NFL."
Smith is entering his 11th season as Texans GM, only the second in the team's history, and can boast a stockpile of veterans. Under Smith, the Texans have drafted relatively well, selecting a slew of Houston mainstays, including J.J. Watt, Brian Cushing, DeAndre Hopkins, Whitney Mercilus and Duane Brown.
Houston is banking on Smith's shrewd moves to deliver excellence in the AFC South for the next four seasons. Over the past three years, the Texans have developed through his guidance into a consistent contender, thanks to a well-developed defensive core. With the additions on offense of quarterback Brock Osweiler and running back Lamar Miller in free agency, the organization is hoping to finally put all the pieces together.
