T.J. Watt signed a three-year, $123 million contract extension with $108 million guaranteed. The average annual value is $41 million. Watt will be the NFL’s highest-paid non-quarterback.
Sauce Gardner of the New York Jets got a four-year, $120.4 million contract extension with $60 million guaranteed. The average annual value is $30.1 million. Gardner will be the NFL’s highest-paid cornerback.
What am I missing?
Gardner is 24 and in his prime. He’s made first-team All-Pro in two of his three seasons. He’s a shutdown corner.
Watt is 30 and faded statistically last season, getting no sacks in 10 of 18 games. Watt still dominated, just not as often.
Watt played all 17 regular-season games for a second straight season. But it’s fair to wonder how much Watt has left in the tank. When his body will break down.
How is Watt worth $10.9 million more per season than Gardner?
Gardner is a bigger factor on a snap-by-snap basis. He eliminates half the field. He neutralizes the opposition’s top receiver. He’s only got three interceptions in three seasons, but that’s because nobody throws anywhere near him.
Watt gets pressure, which might be his biggest value. Sacks on first and second down are overrated. In today’s high-octane NFL, lost yards are too easy to get back.
There’s no doubting Watt’s excellence.
There’s also no denying that he’s 30 — 31 on Oct. 11, 15 months older than Myles Garrett — and almost certainly past his prime. You pay a player for what he will do, not what he’s already done.
We debate Watt vs. Garrett endlessly. Garrett is Watt’s nemesis.
We should debate Watt vs. Gardner.
Who would you rather have on your team, Watt or Gardner?
Why are edge rushers worth more than cornerbacks?
I’ll hang up and listen.
