J.J. Watt is a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year. The Houston Texans superstar also has zero guaranteed money left on his contract. So where does that leave him heading into the 2020 season? Watt is taking the high road, putting it mildly.
J.J. Watt on contract: Asking for extension ‘would be the wrong move’
Speaking with reporters on a conference call Wednesday, Watt shared an unconventional approach to this situation. Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle shared Watt saying that asking for an extension now “would be the wrong move.”
Brian T. Smith of the Houston Chronicle noted Watt said he needs to prove himself right now and help the team win games.
It’s pretty odd hearing a guy who’s been at the pinnacle of his profession saying he needs to prove himself. That being said, injuries have taken a brutal toll on Watt in recent years. So that’s likely at the heart of his comments.
The best news for Texans fans is that Watt says he isn’t contemplating retirement at this time.
Last season, Watt played in eight games before a season-ending pectoral injury took him out of commission. The past four seasons, he’s managed to stay healthy for all 16 games just once.
Should Watt stay healthy for this coming season and perform at his typical, dominant level, the contract situation will take care of itself.