Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt wants contract extension

Texans Defensive End J.J. Watt told reporters today in Denver that he has outplayed his rookie deal and wants an extension.

Watt stated his case with a smile today in Denver. He wants a new contract and he wants it from the Texans. Watt used the word "appreciation" several times today, as in "it's nice to see" other members of his 2011 draft class get new contracts.

Players like Arizona's Patrick Peterson got a new $70 million contract despite having two years left on a rookie deal. Watt's original rookie deal expires in 2016.

Watt said all of this today after a clever move: staying late to work in front of the media so we would all see and then telling us that he will always outplay his contract no matter how much he makes. Classic move.

The Texans have a policy not to negotiate contracts during the regular season, so any new deal would have to be worked out in the next few weeks. Texans Owner Bob McNair recently said the Texans could use the Franchise tag on Watt if a long-term deal can't be hammered out.

McNair has always taken care of his players, but he said the team comes first. McNair acknowledges Watt's next deal will be a "big contract". Watt has produced 36.5 sacks in his first three years in the NFL.

We'll have much more on our live reports from Denver tonight on ABC13.