HOUSTON (AP) - Star middle linebacker DeMeco Ryans is staying in Houston.
A team official told The Associated Press on Tuesday night that Ryans has agreed to a six-year contract with the Texans. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the team has yet to make an official announcement.
Ryans was the 2006 AP Defensive Rookie of the Year and is the leader of a young Houston team that went 9-7 last season for its first winning record. He was a restricted free agent.
Ryans made the Pro Bowl last season, when he finished with 123 tackles and a sack. He has had at least 110 tackles in each of his four years in the NFL and posted a career-best 155 stops as a rookie.
The deal was first reported by the Houston Chronicle and Houston television station KRIV.
The move will keep together a defense that also includes 2006 top overall pick Mario Williams and 2009 AP Defensive Rookie of the Year Brian Cushing. Ryans' leadership was key in the development of fellow linebacker Cushing, who led the Texans with 133 tackles.
A message was left by the AP seeking comment from Ryans. The 25-year-old Bessemer, Ala., native told The Houston Chronicle the new deal was "unbelievable" and he was "so appreciative."
Though the team hadn't officially announced the deal, Texans linebacker Zac Diles and left tackle Duane Brown took to Twitter to congratulate Ryans on the contract.
Ryans, a second-round pick from Alabama, has started each game in his career with the Texans and has 7 1/2 sacks, two interceptions and five forced fumbles as a pro.