J.J. Watt Just Received a New Contract From the Texans That Could End Up Being Worth $100 Million

Did the Texans overpay J.J. Watt by giving him a new contract worth upwards of $100 million?

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Last month, defensive end J.J. Watt told reporters that he felt he had earned a new contract with the Texans. He didn't hold out of training camp to try and get one, but he did sound like a guy who was ready to get paid.

"With the new [collective bargaining agreement], I think one of the goals was to make guys earn their pay," he said. "No more big paydays up front. Make guys go out there and play, show that they've earned it. So I think when a team gives a big contract after the third year, they're saying, 'Listen, we think you've earned this.' 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."

Apparently, the Texans do feel that he's earned it because they just agreed to give Watt a new contract. The six-year deal, which will kick in immediately, is worth a guaranteed $51.8 million, which is the most guaranteed money ever given to a defensive player in NFL history. But it could be worth upwards of $100 million if Watt continues to produce for the Texans.

Through three NFL seasons, Watt has produced plenty for Houston. He has started all 16 games in his three seasons. He has tallied 36.5 sacks total. And he's become the anchor of the Texans' defense and given it a real identity. So he should be well worth the money that the Texans have committed to him—and he's a great example of a guy proving himself on the field in the NFL and then getting paid for it.

[via ESPN]

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