Over the past two seasons there has been very little argument that J.J. Watt has been the NFL’s best defender. Now, he will be paid like it according to John McClain of the Houston Chronicle:
J.J. Watt has reached a six-year, $100 million agreement with the Texans, becoming the NFL’s highest paid defensive player. Watt’s extension includes $51.876 million guaranteed.
Watt has been an absolute monster for the Texans over the last two seasons, totaling 161 tackles, 31 sacks, 23 passes defensed, and eight forced fumbles. He was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2012.
Though the Texans went through an awful season last year, many have pegged them as a team who could bounce back in a big way, and the Texan defense led by Watt is the main reason why.
The defense ranked seventh in the NFL in yards allowed, including third in the NFL in pass defense. Watt and his ability to not only rush the passer, but batt down passes has a lot to do with that.
Watt, the 11th pick in the 2011 draft, had two seasons remaining on his rookie contract, but he has obviously outplayed that deal and the Texans wanted to reward him.
Now with their defensive star locked down for the forseeable future, the Texans will begin building up for a return to the postseason.
