The NFL's most productive running back for the past two seasons just got a significant pay raise. The Houston Texans and running back Arian Foster agreed Monday to a five-year deal worth $43.5 million, including $20.75 million guranteed. Foster played in 2011 for $525,000. In his two years as the Texans' unquestioned starter, Foster has amassed 4,061 yards from scrimmage and 30 touchdowns, the most by any running back during that time.

Fantasy Analysis:

This is an amazing deal for the Texans. Consider Marshawn Lynch's freshly inked deal with the Seahawks from last night. Seattle will be paying him $8 million per year over the next four years with $18 million guranteed. By comparison, the Texans are scheduled to pay Foster just $700,000 more per year and just $3 million more in guarantees overall. Oh, and they get him for an extra year. Foster is also slightly younger and has taken 400 fewer hits than Lynch. He's more complete, more productive and just flat-out better. Again, this is a steal for Houston. If he stays healthy, which is something you can say about every NFL player, Foster will be one of the best running backs for at least the next few years. He and Ray Rice are neck and neck to be the No. 1 RB drafted in fantasy leagues this year.