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Watson 'locked in on being a Texan' amid extension talks

Wesley Hitt / Getty Images Sport / Getty

A lucrative contract extension is just a matter of time for Deshaun Watson, but the Houston Texans quarterback isn't thinking about anything beyond the football field ahead of his fourth NFL campaign.

"Football is the main focus," Watson said Saturday of his contract negotiations with the team, according to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle. "My agent is taking care of that. My main focus is being the quarterback and being the leader of this team. My main focus is staying healthy and making sure my team is ready to play."

He added: "I love the organization. I love the (owners). I love the city. I love the fan base. I'm a Houston Texan. I'm locked in on being a Texan."

Houston is currently discussing an extension with Watson's representatives, but a deal isn't imminent, sources told Wilson. The parties reportedly engaged in preliminary talks in April, days before the Texans picked up the fifth-year option on Watson's rookie deal.

Watson, 24, reportedly prefers a shorter-term extension.

Head coach and general manager Bill O'Brien stressed that the team is determined to give Watson a new contract.

"We're working hard," O'Brien said Friday. "We feel so strongly about him in this offense, in this organization. We want him here for a long time. We'd love to have Deshaun here."

Selected 12th overall by the Texans in 2017, Watson owns a 24-13 regular-season career record and has led Houston to the playoffs in each of the last two seasons.

The two-time Pro Bowler has averaged 4,091 passing yards and 30 touchdowns against 12 interceptions per 16 games played in his career. He's also rushed for 14 touchdowns since entering the league.

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