Surprising Extension Given To Houston Texans QB Davis Mills

The Houston Texans just made a statement about their quarterback room, and it speaks volumes about organizational continuity and smart roster management. Davis Mills inked a one-year extension Tuesday that keeps him in Houston through the 2026 season, sources confirmed. The deal is worth $7 million fully guaranteed – a significant bump from last year’s $5 million extension. For a backup quarterback, that is solid money that reflects real value.

Davis Mills Proves His Worth As a Reliable Insurance Policy

Mills has taken a beating over the years. The former Stanford Cardinal went 5-20-1 as a starter during those brutal 2021-2022 seasons when Houston was rebuilding from the ground up. Those numbers tell a story of a young quarterback trying to carry water for a franchise in transition.

But here’s what those numbers don’t show: Mills never quit. Never pointed fingers. Never became a locker room problem when C.J. Stroud arrived and took his job. “If something happens to your starter, if you don’t have guys behind him who can go out and perform and keep the team moving, then, most of the time, your season is just done,” Head Coach DeMeco Ryans said in August. “I feel really good about Davis. Mills has had the best camp that I’ve seen since he’s been here.”

The Game That Showed Mills’ Value 

An example happened in January 2023. Mills stepped in against Indianapolis and delivered when it mattered most. He threw for 298 yards and three touchdowns, capping it off with a game-winning two-point conversion pass to Jordan Akins. That victory pushed Houston from the projected No. 1 draft spot to No. 2.

Ironically, that win helped Houston land Stroud, who would eventually take Mills’ job. But he showed something that night – he’s got ice in his veins when the lights are brightest. That’s exactly what you want from your backup.

The Value of Veteran Leadership

Since Stroud took over, Mills has been efficient in limited action – completing passes at a decent clip with 75 attempts for 385 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions. 

He brings something you can’t teach – experience. The third-round pick from 2021 has seen the worst of times in Houston and stuck around for the good times. In a league where backup quarterbacks are often journeymen or aging veterans, having someone who knows your system, respects the starter, and can actually play when called upon is invaluable. Mills checks all those boxes.

The $7 million investment shows Houston believes in him as more than just a clipboard holder. They see him as legitimate insurance for a team with Super Bowl aspirations.