The Houston Texans looked like the best team in the NFL last season when Brian Cushing was manning the middle linebacker spot for the defense that was as good as any. Combined with a potent offense, they looked bound for a deep playoff-run that would end with the franchise playing in it’s first Super Bowl.
But once Cushing went down with a season-ending knee injury, the defense fell apart, and the Texans fell to nothing more than a one-and-done Wild Card playoff team that was blown-out by the New England Patriots.
The Texans clearly realize his importance, and aren’t about to let him leave via free agency:
ILB Brian Cushing has reached an agreement on a long-term contract extension with the Texans.
— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) September 3, 2013
Texans LB Brian Cushing is going to sign a 6 year extension today.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 3, 2013
Cushing tore his ACL during Week 5 last season at the New York Jets. He’s recorded five tackles (four solo, one for loss) during two preseason games this year.
In 2011, Cushing was named Team MVP and earned AP 2nd-Team All-Pro honors after finishing the season with 114 tackles, 4 sacks, 5 pass deflections, 2 interceptions, and 2 forced fumbles.