In a significant move for the Pittsburgh Steelers, T.J. Watt has agreed to a lucrative contract extension just days before training camp begins. This deal, finalized on Thursday, positions Watt as the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL, underscoring his importance to the team and the league. According to sources from The Athletic, the three-year extension is valued at $123 million, averaging $41 million in new money. This figure slightly surpasses that of Myles Garrett from the Cleveland Browns, who signed a four-year deal worth $40 million annually earlier this offseason.
Watt's new contract includes a staggering $108 million guaranteed at signing, highlighting the Steelers' commitment to retaining their star edge rusher. Previously, Watt was set to enter the final year of a four-year, $112 million deal he signed in 2021. Earlier this summer, Watt drew attention to his unresolved contract situation by skipping voluntary OTAs and mandatory minicamp, which raised concerns about potential distractions for the Steelers during training camp.
In previous negotiations, Watt opted for a "hold-in" strategy during camp, which delayed the resolution until just days before the season opener. However, this time, General Manager Omar Khan successfully managed to finalize the contract ahead of training camp, ensuring a smoother start to the season.
The last time the Steelers extended Watt's contract, they reaped immediate rewards. In 2021, he led the league with 22.5 sacks, tying the official single-season record held by Michael Strahan. Additionally, Watt forced five fumbles and recovered three, earning his first NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award. Since then, he has consistently positioned himself as a frontrunner for the award, solidifying his role as a cornerstone of the Steelers' defensive strategy.
Throughout the negotiation process, Khan expressed his eagerness to finalize a deal with Watt, citing him as a "legacy guy" akin to Steelers legends like Hines Ward and Troy Polamalu. However, negotiations faced challenges, particularly with Myles Garrett's recent contract extension, which reset the market. Garrett's four-year, $160 million deal, featuring $123.5 million in guaranteed funds, became a benchmark for negotiations between the Steelers and Watt.
Both players are close in age, with Watt turning 31 in October and Garrett turning 30 in December, making this contract negotiation particularly competitive. Historical reluctance from the Steelers to guarantee money beyond the first year of a contract was also a hurdle; however, they broke that trend by offering Watt $108 million in guarantees, covering the first two years of the extension.
As Watt embarks on this new chapter with the Steelers, he is on a trajectory that could lead him to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Last October, he achieved a significant milestone by recording his 100th career sack, becoming the second-fastest player in NFL history to reach this landmark. Despite his individual accolades, one glaring absence remains: Watt has yet to win a playoff game in his eight-year career, a fact that weighs heavily on him.
Watt has expressed his desire for team success, stating, “There’s a big difference between guys that come back that are Super Bowl champions and guys that aren’t.” His commitment to the team and the pursuit of a Super Bowl victory is clear, as he emphasizes the need for the Steelers to play complementary football and work together effectively.
With Watt now secured through the 2028 season, he is dedicated to helping the Steelers overcome their eight-year winless streak in the postseason. As the team prepares for the upcoming season, Watt's presence and leadership will be crucial in their quest for playoff success.
Dianna Russini contributed to this story. (Photo: Rob Carr / Getty Images)
