T.J. Watt has agreed to a three-year extension with the Pittsburgh Steelers worth $123 million, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.
The 31-year-old linebacker’s deal includes $108 million fully guaranteed at signing, with an average annual salary of $41 million, surpassing the $40.25 million earned by Cincinnati’s Ja’Marr Chase and Cleveland’s Myles Garrett earlier this offseason, as reported by ESPN.
The extension ends months of contract negotiations. Watt had missed the Steelers’ mandatory minicamp in June, but he is now expected to report to training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, on Tuesday.
Watt celebrated the deal with an Instagram post of him flexing in his Steelers uniform, a more enthusiastic message compared to his earlier, more muted post during the offseason.
Steelers general manager Omar Khan had expressed confidence throughout the negotiations, saying in March, “I’m hopeful T.J. will finish his career here.”
Watt, a 2017 first-round pick, had been the highest-paid non-quarterback in 2021 with a four-year, $112 million deal. This new contract resolves any remaining drama before the start of training camp.
Watt’s teammates, including defensive captain Cameron Heyward, had also urged the team to retain the standout edge rusher. Heyward strongly voiced his support for Watt’s importance to the team, particularly against any trade speculation.
Watt, the 2021 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, has been one of the league’s top pass rushers, leading the NFL in sacks for three seasons.
Despite a tough end to the 2024 season, where he struggled with only two sacks in the Steelers’ five-game losing streak, Watt remains a key player for Pittsburgh.
“I want to be an impact player,” Watt said earlier this year, reflecting on his desire to avoid being schemed out of games.
The Steelers, having strengthened their roster this offseason, now enter the preseason with Watt secured for the future, looking to make a push for the upcoming season.