Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SportsMark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Texans offensive lineman Tytus Howard agreed Wednesday to a very significant contract extension

As he headed into training camp with only one year remaining on his rookie contract, sides came to terms on a three-year, $56 million extension. Of that total, $36.5 million guaranteed and it includes an $18 million signing bonus. ESPN first reported the news early Wednesday.

Texans made sure to pay big guys Tytus Howard, Laremy Tunsil

After selecting former Ohio State quarterback CJ Stroud with the second pick of April’s NF:L Draft, the Texans have emphasized paying the guys who protect him. Tytus Howard, the right tackle, was Houston’s first round pick in 2019. He’s started 54 games since joining the team. Meanwhile, the Texans also extended the contract of left tackle Laremy Tunsil for three more years, with the deal worth $75 million. Of that total, $50 million is guaranteed. Tunsil’s deal made him the highest-paid offensive tackle in the NFL at an average of $25 million per season.

In addition to the tackles, the Texans signed right guard Shaq Mason to a three-year extension worth $35 million,

Tytus Howard has a unique story to tell on how he got to the NFL. He was the starting quarterback at Monroe County High School in Alabama. He signed to play tight end at Alabama State. Now, he’s a lineman with lots of money in the bank account.

There were more details provided by Houston TV station KPRC. Howard’s annual salary is $18.6 million.

Aside from protecting Stroud, Tytus Howard and Laremy Tunsil also are in charge of blowing holes through opposing defenses for the Texans’ running game. Dameon Pierce, who was a rookie last fall, rushed for 939 yards before an ankle injury forced him to miss the final four games of last season.

The Texans open training camp today in Houston. There’s far more optimism in the year than this time a year ago. New coach DeMeco Ryans is in charge. And he’s also a former Texans linebacker. Meanwhile, Houston pulled off picks two and three in the draft. After Stroud, the Texans picked Alabama linebacker Will Anderson, the top defensive prospect in the draft.

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