55 Benardrick McKinney LB

McKinney signed a five-year, $50 million contract extension that includes $21 million guaranteed, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Entering the final year of his rookie contract, McKinney is now under contract through the 2023 season. The age 25 linebacker has been a consistent player since entering the league, starting in all 32 games for the Texans over the past two seasons while totaling 224 tackles in the same span. He's a hallmark in the center of their defense and his contract indicates he'll continue to be for the next several years.

McKinney recorded 95 tackles (62 solo) and three sacks in 16 games for the Texans in 2017.

McKinney started the season strong with 17 tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble across Weeks 1 and 2, but didn't log any other true impact performances. All in all it was a decent season for the 25-year-old, but a definite step down from his 129 tackle and five sack output in 2016. The 2015-second round pick will aim to recreate that production next season as he enters the final year of his rookie contract.

McKinney had seven tackles (five solo) and one sack against the Titans on Sunday.

The third-year pro hadn't posted a sack since Week 2, but his average of 6.2 tackles per game helps make up the difference. McKinney played all 54 defensive snaps Sunday, and since that is expected to keep up, he'll be due for more outings like Week 13.

McKinney finished Sunday's 31-21 victory over the Cardinals with nine tackles (seven solo).

McKinney's tackle total marks his second highest of the season, as he logged 11 (four solo) in the Texans' season opener. The 25-year-old was the only defender on the team to see all 58 snaps.

McKinney had a team-high eight tackles (seven solo) in a 33-17 win over Cleveland in Week 6.

The eight tackles were the most by McKinney since Week 1, when he was in on 11 stops. He should run away as the Texans' leading tackler but has produced fewer per game this season relative to 2016. McKinney has 39 tackles over six games (6.5 per game) after averaging 8.1 last season.