HOUSTON – Six days before the new 2014 season kicks off for the Texans, the team and J.J. Watt have a new long-term extension in place.
At Tuesday's press conference, Rick Smith said the team signed Watt to a 6-year contract extension.
"I hope the people of Houston don't mind me sticking around for a little while longer because I happen to like it here quite a bit," said Watt. "I promise to do everything in my power, to work extremely hard, to give everything that I have to prove that I deserve this and to prove that I've earned this."
Texans owner Bob McNair joked he was late to the press conference because he had to go hock some of his wife's jewelry at the pawn shop to come up with enough money to pay Watt.
Watt said he loves Houston and he's going to do his best to represent the city and the organization.
Smith praised Watt's commitment to excellence, his character, his work ethic and his ability.
ESPN Insider Chris Mortensen reports $51.8 million of the deal is guaranteed. That makes Watt the highest paid defensive player surpassing Mario Williams' mega-deal with the Buffalo Bills.
Watt was slated to earn $1.9 million for the 2014 season.
Watt, the 2012 Defensive Player of the Year, is considered the top defensive player in the NFL and has made it clear he wanted a new extension in place while watching others from his 2011 draft class get rewarded in recent weeks. Watt's current contract still have two more years remaining.
This type of move is not common inside the Texans organization who have preferred to not negotiate deals with players while they have time left on their contracts.
Watt, of course, is an exception along with receiver Andre Johnson who has had his deal reworked in the past.
The Texans host Washington at noon Sunday at NRG Stadium.
