Since the first time J.J. Watt stepped on the field for the Houston Texans in 2011, he has been known as one of, if not the, best defensive player in the league.
Now, the 2012 Defensive Player of the Year is getting his big payday.
First reported by the Houston Chronicle, Watt and the Texans have agreed on a six-year, $100 million contract extension that includes $51.876 million guaranteed, making him the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history.
Watt's extension passes the previous mark set by former Texans defensive star Mario Williams, who signed a six-year, $96 million contract with the Buffalo Bills in 2012.
Watt's new deal begins in 2016 and extends through 2021. His base salaries this year and in 2015 will be $907,385 and $9.969 million. After signing his extension, he will get an additional $10 million as a signing bonus.
General manager Rick Smith, vice president of football administration Chris Olson and Watt's agent Tom Condon reached an agreement in principle late Monday night, according to reports. The Texans wanted the deal complete before the team began practice this week for Sunday's first regular season game against Washington Redskins.
Watt will sign the record-setting deal Tuesday, with a news conference to follow at NRG Stadium.
Follow Shawn Ramsey on Twitter: @ShawnPRamsey
