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Steelers Secure T.J. Watt With Record $123 Million Extension

By locking in Watt at a $41 million average annual value, Pittsburgh confirms its intent to keep its defensive cornerstone intact.

Former Pittsburgh Steelers player Derek Watt, T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Houston Texans player J.J. Watt look on prior to a game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on October 01, 2023 in Houston, Texas.
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Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) celebrates his sack during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles
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Overview

  • The Steelers and T.J. Watt finalized a three-year, $123 million extension with $108 million fully guaranteed, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.
  • At $41 million per season, the deal surpasses Myles Garrett’s previous edge-rusher record and raises the benchmark for elite defensive contracts.
  • Watt had skipped voluntary and mandatory minicamps amid stalled talks but is now expected to report to training camp on July 23.
  • General manager Omar Khan broke with Pittsburgh’s typical guarantee structure to lock Watt in as the defense’s leader through 2028.
  • With Watt’s future secured, the Steelers will turn their attention to integrating new additions like Aaron Rodgers into a roster built for a Super Bowl run.