Texans Sign Watt to $100M Deal
Published at
Scott Halleran/Getty Images(NEW YORK) — The Houston Texans have rewarded one of the top defensive players in the league with the top contract ever for a defensive player. J.J. Watt and the Texans have agreed to a new six-year deal worth a reported $100 million.
The contract will have a guaranteed $51.8 million payday for Watt, the highest amount ever for a defensive player in the NFL. Watt will earn an approximate $16.6 million per year, also a record total for a defensive player.
Watt had hoped in August to work out a new deal with the team that drafted him with the 11th overall pick in 2011.
“I think when a team gives a big contract after the third year, they’re saying, ‘Listen, we think you’ve earned this,'” Watt said. “I don’t know if [the Texans] feel that way or not, but I sure hope I’ve put in all the work, and I’ve put in everything I can do to hopefully earn it.”
The 2012 Defensive Player of the Year, Watt has racked up 36.5 sacks during his first three seasons.
Follow @ABCNewsRadio
Copyright 2014 ABC News Radio