Quotables: J.J. Watt wants an extension, Nick Collins retires from NFL
One of the league’s most feared defenders doesn’t feel any pressure to get a deal done right away, while elsewhere the 49ers and one of its top playmakers are moving toward a resolution in their own contract talks.
Andrew Richardson-USA TODAY Sports
-Texans DE J.J. Watt, on a potential contract extension
J.J. Watt loves playing football, so much so that he wouldn't consider holding out for a new contract with the Houston Texans at this point. Despite being due for a big payday in the near future after being the 2012 Defensive Player of the Year, he remains focused on putting together another strong season instead of worrying about numbers.
Speaking with the Houston Chronicle on Tuesday, Watt reiterated that he loves the Texans organization and has full confidence that a deal will be worked out in due time. The fourth-year defensive end has already earned two First Team All-Pro bids and notched an NFL-best 20.5 sacks in 2012. It’s safe to say the Texans want to ensure he stays for the long haul as well.
“There is progress.”
-NFL.com's Ian Rapoport, on Michael Crabtree's contract status with the 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers have a number of contracts to take a look at this offseason, including that of Alex Boone, Vernon Davis and even head coach Jim Harbaugh. On Tuesday, the 49ers officially inked Glenn Dorsey to a two-year extension and have made progress on a deal with wide receiver Michael Crabtree.
The sixth-year playmaker out of Texas Tech is due a total of $4.77 million in 2014 in the final year of his rookie contract that netted him $32 million total. An extension could prove tricky since he returned from a torn Achilles last season to average 56.8 yards per game on 3.8 receptions. Still, Crabtree is the top wideout for Colin Kaepernick, and both sides should find a middle ground soon enough.
“The Texans are terrible.”
-Anonymous Broncos player
Normally, an NFL preseason game doesn't have a story line that's worth paying much attention to. But when one player on the Denver Broncos decided to call out the entire Texans squad, the exhibition game became a bit more intriguing.
On Aug. 23, the two teams will square off in the Mile High City with the defending AFC Champions being the favorites by over a touchdown, according to OddsShark. Given that the Texans were the worst team in the NFL last season and have yet to really address the quarterback position with an impact player, the Broncos player likely has good reason for making such a statement.
“He needs the work, learning the new system.”
-Browns head coach Mike Pettine, on WR Josh Gordon
Even though he's facing a possible lengthy suspension stemming from numerous off-the-field issues, Cleveland Browns wideout Josh Gordon still needs to put the time and effort into his craft as if he's going to contribute all season long.
When head coach Mike Pettine spoke with reporters, he wasn't shy about letting it be known that he expected more from his All-Pro receiver, even in the face of league discipline. Quarterbacks Brian Hoyer and Johnny Manziel struggled with accuracy, going just 9-for-22 combined in a loss to Washington's professional football team on Aug. 18. Their challenges in hitting Gordon and other receivers in stride could have contributed to his lack of focus.
“I’m officially announced my retirement from the #NFL.”
-Now former Packers CB Nick Collins
The Green Bay Packers got confirmation of what was already feared when cornerback Nick Collins officially retired from the NFL on Tuesday. In 2011, his seventh year, Collins sustained a neck injury while attempting to make a tackle that caused him to be carted off the field while facing the Carolina Panthers. At the time, it was thought to be a career-threatening injury, and Collins recently confirmed as much.
I'm officially announced my retirement from the #NFL. I also would like to thank my family, (cont) http://t.co/BpOXynmJlo
— Nick Collins (@nickdapick36) August 20, 2014 “I thought the (Houston) defense totally kicked our butt.”
-Broncos QB Peyton Manning, on the Broncos' joint practice with Texans
Peyton Manning demands a lot of his teammates, and on Tuesday as reported by the Denver Post, he wasn’t afraid to speak his mind when they fell short of expectations. In joint practices with the Texans, the Broncos got beat on day 1, and it didn’t sit well with the future Hall-of-Famer. Despite the workouts being part of the exhibition season, he wants to see more from his group, especially with the Super Bowl being within reach in a wide open AFC in 2014.
“I guess people are worried about it. I’m not worried about it. I think he’s going to be a really good player for us.”
-Raiders head coach Dennis Allen, on LB Khalil Mack
The hot topic in the Bay Area as it relates to the Oakland Raiders is the development of first-round pick Khalil Mack and whether he'll be able to contribute early on. According to Tim Kawakami of the San Jose Mercury News, defensive coordinator Jason Tarver believes there's improvement through the preseason to this point. Mack made fewer mistakes in Week 2 of the preseason as opposed to in his first NFL game.
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