Texans retain Shane Lechler and Nick Novak

The Houston Texans reached contract agreements with punter Shane Lechler and kicker Nick Novak.

Both have deals for 2017.

Lechler is heading into his 18th season in the NFL and his fifth with the Texans.

Lechler, who is from nearby East Bernard, has been named First-Team All-Pro six times, and has been selected for seven Pro Bowls.

Meanwhile, Novak set a franchise record with 35 field goals in 2016, which tied for for second best in the NFL.

Both Novak and Lechler had expressed a strong desire to return to the Texans.

Texans executive vice president and general manager Rick Smith taking care of some important business by not allowing Lechler and Novak to hit the free agent market.