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In an unexpected late night turn of events, the best defensive player in the NFL just got a truckload of money.
Texans have agreed in principle to long term extension with JJ Watt.
— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) September 2, 2014
Agent Tom Condon, GM Rick Smith and VP/administration Chris Olsen worked on deal until late Monday before reaching agreement.
— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) September 2, 2014
Rick Smith has policy against negotiating in regular season. With Monday a holiday, for Texans at least, regular season starts Tuesday.
— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) September 2, 2014
Chris Mortensen soon followed with the jaw dropping numbers on the contract.
JJ Watt's new extension in range of jersey number plus zeroes - $99 million over 6 years, including $51 million guaranteed, per sources
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) September 2, 2014
For those without a calculator handy, the contract averages out to roughly $16.5 million dollars per year. That tops Mario Williams’ $96 million dollar extension ($50 million of which was guaranteed) signed in 2012 and makes Watt the highest paid defender in the league. With one of the most dominant starts to a career in NFL history and a Defensive Player of the Year award already under his belt, one would be hard pressed to argue that Watt has not earned every penny of his new deal.
From all of us here at BRB, congratulations to #99 for getting paid. You deserve it, big fella.
UPDATE: It seems like Watt's contract has hit the triple digits after all.
JJ Watt 6 year extension is for $100 million and includes $51.876 million guaranteed.
— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) September 2, 2014