Texans HC DeMeco Ryans on Davis Mills extension: 'He's earned it'

Why did the Houston Texans extend backup quarterback Davis Mills?

Simple: He’s proven his value as the clear-cut favorite to replace C.J. Stroud in case of an injury.

“Extending Davis is something that he earned,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said Wednesday. “Davis had a really great training camp. We saw big-time improvement from last year to this year. Thought he handled camp really well, playing some of his best ball in training camp and he went out and proved it in his snaps that he was able to get in the preseason.”

Mills, who was entering a contract year, agreed to terms on a one-year extension worth $5 million. The Texans believe he’s a top secondary option and can serve as a quality starter in a pinch should Stroud miss time.

The first pick made in the Nick Caserio era, Mills was thrust into the starting role midseason under David Culley’s direction. Since being drafted out of Stanford, he’s played in 34 games and has 26 starts, posting a 5-20-1 record.

After the Texans drafted C.J. Stroud, Mills competed with veteran Case Keenum for the backup job. Keenum, a longtime journeyman in the league, suffered a season-ending foot injury during the preseason finale.

Mills saw little action last season and was benched in favor of Keenum when Stroud missed two games because of a concussion. That won’t be the case in 2024 since the Texans only have two passer currently on the active roster.

The former No. 1 overall quarterback recruit had looked promsing in his second season of Bobby Slowik’s offense. In three three preseason games, Mill ended up completing 18 of 26 throws for 191 yards and a touchdown.

He looked more comfortable in the pocket and while throwing under duress. Several passes were from outside the pocket for first-down gains.

“Everything Davis has gotten, he’s earned,” And he’s done a really great job for us this year.”

The Texans kickoff the new season on the road this Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts at noon CT.