Report: Texans Exercise J.J. Watt’s Fifth-Year Option

Field Yates of ESPN reports that the Houston Texans have officially exercised DE J.J. Watt‘s fifth-year option.

This should come as no surprise given that Watt has quickly developed into one of the best defensive ends in the game.

Watt, 25, is entering the final year of his rookie contract and stands to make $1,907,385 for the 2014 season, so he’s clearly in line for a huge raise. The fifth-year option will pay Watt $6.969 million, but it’s a non-guaranteed salary. 

Last year, he produced 80 tackles, 10.5 sacks, four forced fumbles and two recoveries. Pro Football Focus has rated Watt as the No. 1 defensive end in a 3-4 defense for the past two years by a wide margin.