HOUSTON -- J.J. Watt is the best defensive player in the NFL, but his salary doesn't reflect that anymore.
Since Watt signed a deal worth $100 million with $51.8 million guaranteed at $16.667 million per year before the 2015 season, the market for players at comparable positions grew as markets do. He's been knocked off the top of the list of defensive linemen. Olivier Vernon, whom the New York Giants signed in free agency this year, has an average annual salary of $17 million. His is a shorter contract at five years, but includes a little bit more guaranteed money.