Derek Newton signs long-term contract with Houston Texans

The Houston Texans have agreed a five-year contract with offensive tackle Derek Newton to secure his future with the club.

The 27-year-old was due to become a free agent when the new league year officially begins on Tuesday following four seasons with the AFC South outfit.

However, Bill O'Brien's men have kept Newton away from the free-agent market by signing the tackle to a lucrative five-year deal worth up to $26.5m [£17.6m], with $10m [£6.6m] guaranteed.

Newton was selected in the seventh round of the 2011 Draft by the Texans, and has started at right tackle for the past three seasons.