The Houston Texans and J.J. Watt agreed in principle on a new contract Monday night that will pay the All-Pro defensive end $100 million over six years. Watt is expected to sign the contract Tuesday.

The Houston Chronicle first reported the news.

Watt becomes the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history. He is guaranteed to receive $51.8 million under the deal.


Selected 11th overall in the 2011 NFL Draft, Watt earned 2012 defensive player of the year honors. He has registered 36.5 sacks during his three years in the league.

"With the new [collective bargaining agreement], I think one of the goals was to make guys earn their pay," Watt said, according to ESPN.com. "No more big paydays up front. Make guys go out there and play, show that they've earned it.

"So I think when a team gives a big contract after the third year, they're saying, 'Listen, we think you've earned this.' I don't know if [the Texans] feel that way or not, but I sure hope I've put in all the work, and I've put in everything I can do to hopefully earn it."