Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt has racked up 31 sacks, 23 passes defended and eight forced fumbles over the past two seasons. He’s the best defensive player on the planet and a generational talent. So it must be a tad confusing to those not in the know that Watt is set to earn just $1.9 million in 2014 and $6.9 million in 2015 under his rookie contract.
This isn’t the fault of the Texans. Under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, which was agreed to in 2011, Watt is not eligible for a new contract until his fourth season (2014) is completed.
As Pro Football Talk points out, Jadeveon Clowney earned $14.5 million guaranteed with a stroke of the pen upon signing his rookie deal. Through the 2014 season, Watt will have earned just $11.2 million.
Bell: Watt, 2011 1st-rounders paying contract penalty: Imagine what J.J. Watt is really wort… http://t.co/DGm6dcH3wb #Houston #HouNews
— KHOU 11 News Houston (@KHOU) June 28, 2014
You better believe that there is something wrong with this. Watt will not only be asked to groom Clowney into a tremendous player, he’s already one of the top players in the entire league.
Unfortunately, it’s the rules of the league at this point. You can fully expect the Texans and Watt to come to an agreement on a lucrative long-term extension next March. If not, he’s going to have to play out the final year of his deal at under $7 million.
Photo: USA Today