After months of uncertainty, Pro-Bowl linebacker DeMeco Ryans got what he wanted from the Houston Texans:  a six-year contract worth $48 million, including $21.75 million guaranteed.

After the defensive captain helped the Texans complete their first winning season last year, deciding what to do with Ryans, a restricted free agent, was Houston GM Rick Smith’s top priority in the offseason.  The Pro-Bowler was tendered the maximum and could have been a fifth-year restricted free agent making $3.168 million next season had the Texans so chosen.  With a possible player lockout looming, speculation among fans grew that the team might attempt to put off a long-term deal with Ryans for another year.  The linebacker failed to secure a contract to his liking from the team after the 2008 season. 

“Last year, I put everything behind me when we didn't get a deal done because I wanted to focus on football,” Ryans said. “I thought I had my best season. All that hard work I put into it has definitely paid off.”

Ryans will earn at least $26.3 million in the first three years of his new contract with Houston, and stands to make an extra $200,000 each season that he makes the Pro Bowl.  It’s a rich, hard-earned deal befitting of a cornerstone of Houston’s franchise.  Ryans has started for the Texans since the first game of his rookie year in 2006, when he was drafted in the second round.  The linebacker notched 123 tackles last season and flourished alongside NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Brian Cushing.  Both earned trips to the Pro Bowl.

With Ryans’ contract out of the way, Smith must next work on negotiations with tight end Owen Daniels, who underwent season-ending knee surgery 4 1/2 months ago.