Texans’ J.J. Watt says he wants contract extension
By Sam Richmond
Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt has emerged as one of the premier defensive players the past few years. Now, the 25-year-old wants to be paid like it.
Watt told John McClain of the Houston Chronicle that he wants a contract extension.
JJ Watt said he's outplayed his contract and wants an extension.
— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) August 19, 2014
Watt said he didn't consider sitting out cause "I want to be out here with my teammates."
— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) August 19, 2014
Watt said he's not involved in negotiations "but I'll get involved if I have to."
— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) August 19, 2014
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Whenever a deal ultimately gets done, expect Watt to be in for one heck of a pay day.
The Wisconsin product has a list of accomplishments under his belt that include Defensive Player of the Year award in 2012, making the first first-team All-Pro in 2012 and 2013 and being named to the Pro Bowl in 2012 and 2013.
Watt recorded an absurd 20.5 sacks in 2012 and has 36.5 sacks and 217 tackles for his three-year career. Given his young age there’s no reason to believe he won’t perform at this same level or a higher one for years to come.
White also told Brian T. Smith of the Chronicle that he wanted to remain with Houston.
"“When you look around the league and you see a couple guys from the 2011 draft class get contracts, it’s just nice to see appreciation being shown,” said Watt, following the Texans’ first practice against the Denver Broncos. “With the new (collective bargaining agreement), I think one of the goals was to make guys earn their pay. No more big paydays up front. … When a team gives a contract after the third year, they’re saying, ‘We think you’ve earned this.’ And so, 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 Texans selected Watt with the No. 11 pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.