Steelers Secure T.J. Watt With $123M Extension \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ T.J. Watt has agreed to a record-setting three-year extension with the Pittsburgh Steelers worth $123 million. The deal makes him the highest-paid defender in NFL history and solidifies his long-term presence in Pittsburgh. Watt skipped minicamp to expedite negotiations and celebrated the agreement on Instagram.
Quick Looks
- Watt signs a 3-year, $123 million deal with Steelers.
- Now the NFL’s highest-paid defensive player.
- Surpasses Myles Garrett’s previous annual average salary.
- Skipped minicamp to pressure Pittsburgh for deal.
- Celebrated new deal with social media posts.
- Steelers banking on Watt as defensive cornerstone.
- No playoff wins yet during Watt’s tenure.
- New-look Steelers aim to contend in 2025.
Deep Look
From the moment T.J. Watt arrived in Pittsburgh in 2017, he made it clear: he wanted to be a “one-helmet guy” — a rare breed of NFL player who stays with a single franchise throughout their career. Now, entering his eighth season, that vision is closer to reality. Watt has signed a massive three-year, $123 million contract extension with the Pittsburgh Steelers, making him the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history, at least for now.
The deal, which was first reported by ESPN and confirmed by a source to the Associated Press, will pay Watt an average of $41 million annually — narrowly edging out the recent record-setting contracts signed by other top-tier defenders like Cleveland Browns lineman Myles Garrett and briefly by Cincinnati Bengals receiver Ja’Marr Chase. The source spoke on condition of anonymity because the Steelers have not officially announced the contract terms publicly.
The new agreement ensures Watt, who turns 31 in November, will remain a foundational piece of the Steelers’ defense into his mid-30s. That longevity mirrors that of longtime teammate Cam Heyward, another defensive anchor who’s maintained elite performance well past the age of 30.
Watt, a four-time First-Team All-Pro and seven-time Pro Bowler, was entering the final year of the four-year, $112 million extension he signed back in 2021. At the time, that deal made him the league’s highest-paid defender. Now, four years later, he has reclaimed that title. Although Garrett’s overall contract value of $204 million is higher, Watt’s average annual salary surpasses it by 2.5%, a subtle but deliberate move that reinforces his belief that he is — and should be paid as — the best edge rusher in the NFL.
He’s certainly backed up that claim with performance. Watt was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2021 after tying the single-season sack record with 22.5. In total, he’s recorded 108 sacks in just 121 regular-season games — an elite pace. He’s become a nightmare for offensive lines, a leader in the Steelers locker room, and a fan favorite who represents the franchise’s hard-nosed identity.
Yet, despite his personal accolades, postseason success has eluded both him and the Steelers. In his four playoff appearances, Watt has managed just one sack, and Pittsburgh has gone winless in all of those games. Defensive breakdowns have contributed heavily to those losses, undermining the otherwise solid foundation Watt has helped build.
Pittsburgh is hoping this contract — and the new direction the franchise is heading — will change that. The team made a flurry of bold moves during the offseason. Most notably, they acquired veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers in an effort to address long-standing issues at the position. They also added veteran cornerback Jalen Ramsey to bolster the defense. These high-profile signings signal a win-now approach for 2025, even as the team openly eyes the 2026 NFL Draft — which will be hosted in Pittsburgh — as a potential opportunity to select their next long-term quarterback.
The timing of Watt’s deal is not accidental. He opted to skip mandatory minicamp in June — a rare decision for a player of his stature — likely to apply pressure on the front office to finalize the contract. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin downplayed the absence at the time, expressing calm confidence that an agreement would be reached. Watt’s track record, professionalism, and importance to the franchise made the outcome almost inevitable.
Watt celebrated the signing in true 21st-century fashion: with a pair of Instagram posts. One showed him flexing in his iconic No. 90 jersey. The other, a more personal touch, featured him posing alongside protégé and fellow linebacker Nick Herbig. The images underscored what many around the NFL already know — Watt is the heart and soul of the Steelers’ defense and a respected mentor to the next generation.
Looking ahead, Pittsburgh’s ability to remain competitive in the AFC will likely hinge on Watt’s continued dominance and his ability to stay healthy. If he can replicate his peak form into his early-to-mid 30s, much like Cam Heyward has done, the Steelers may yet return to playoff contention and even push toward a deep postseason run. With the AFC loaded with offensive firepower — from Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson to Josh Allen and Joe Burrow — having a disruptive force like Watt is not just valuable; it’s essential.
Still, the landscape of NFL salaries continues to shift rapidly. Dallas Cowboys edge rusher Micah Parsons is due for a new deal soon, and with his age (26) and rising production, his extension could soon eclipse Watt’s. But for now, T.J. Watt once again holds the crown as the NFL’s highest-paid defender — a title that reflects not just his talent, but his relentless pursuit of greatness.
The Steelers enter training camp next week at Saint Vincent College with renewed optimism and a franchise icon locked in. While Watt still seeks his first postseason victory, his legacy as one of the greatest defenders in Steelers history is already secure. And now, he’s got the contract to prove it.
Steelers Secure T.J. Steelers Secure T.J.
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