For the second time, the Pittsburgh Steelers made T.J. Watt the highest-paid non-QB in NFL historical past

In 2024, the Pittsburgh Steelers went 10-7 and made the playoffs because the sixth seed. They misplaced 28-14 to the Ravens within the wildcard spherical. 

This offseason, former Defensive Participant of the 12 months T.J. Watt was eligible for a contract extension. There was lingering drama between Pittsburgh’s entrance workplace and Watt this offseason. Strain was constructing for the 2 sides to succeed in a deal. Lastly, ESPN’s Adam Schefter introduced that the Steelers gave Watt a three-year, $123 million extension. With an AAV of $41 million, Watt is now the highest-paid non-QB in NFL historical past. It’s the second time in his profession incomes that honor.

T.J. Watt is underneath contract with Pittsburgh by means of the 2028 season

ESPN sources: Steelers star TJ Watt has turn into the highest-paid non-QB in NFL historical past for the second time in his illustrious profession, reaching settlement immediately on a three-year, $123 million extension that features $108M totally assured at signing. The $41 million per 12 months common… pic.twitter.com/si6V7FUdlp

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 17, 2025

With the thirtieth choose within the 2017 NFL draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers chosen DE T.J. Watt out of Wisconsin. Over his eight-year profession with the Steelers, Watt has turn into a family title within the NFL. He’s a four-time first-team All-Professional choice and was voted Defensive Participant of the 12 months in 2022. The 30-year-old had led the NFL in sacks 3 times, and his single-season career-high is 22.5.

In 121 profession video games, Watt has recorded 108 sacks for the Steelers. His 73.5 sacks during the last 5 seasons are probably the most within the NFL. There’s no denying his dominance on the sphere. That’s why Pittsburgh rewarded him with a three-year, $123 million extension. Watt now has an annual common worth of $41 million. That dethrones Cincinnati’s Jamar Chase because the highest-paid non-QB in NFL historical past. He makes $40.25 million per season.

The #Steelers made TJ Watt the very best paid non-QB in NFL historical past 💰 pic.twitter.com/0nzV0vPE3G

— FOX Sports activities: NFL (@NFLonFOX) July 17, 2025

Earlier this offseason, T.J. Watt didn’t report back to the Steelers’ mini-camp as the 2 events labored on negotiations. Now {that a} deal is settled, Watt is predicted to report back to the beginning of Pittsburgh’s coaching camp on Tuesday, July 22. The Steelers had been assured they’d re-sign Watt this offseason.

Contract negotiations can turn into ugly within the NFL. Some gamers are keen to overlook regular-season video games and get fined. It by no means got here to that for T.J. Watt, and the Steelers are fortunate. Pittsburgh has hit a small rebuild this offseason. Aaron Rodgers has been introduced in at QB. George Pickens was traded to Dallas, and the Steelers traded with the Seahawks to amass D.Ok. Metcalf.