In a move that solidifies his future with the team, Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt has struck a landmark three-year, $123 million contract extension. The deal crowns Watt as the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history, once again, according to CBS News. At 30 years old, Watt's new contract includes a whopping $108 million in guaranteed compensation. It averages $41 million per year, bumping him ahead of Cincinnati Bengals receiver Ja'Marr Chase and Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett in non-quarterback earnings.
With the new extension, Watt is now poised to potentially conclude his career as a Steeler, a sentiment that seems to resonate with both the franchise and the fans. Adam Schefter of ESPN first reported the deal, which came just in time, as the Steelers are set to commence training camp at Saint Vincent College, a long-standing tradition that has spanned 57 seasons. The defensive stalwart had previously sat out mandatory minicamp during the offseason in pursuit of a new deal, a strategy that appears to have paid off. In a statement obtained by WPXI, the 2021 Defensive Player of the Year, who leads the NFL in sacks since 2020, is now firmly locked in through the 2028 season.
The signing has elicited reactions from Steelers aficionados who spent the summer in anticipation of the news. CBS News captured the fan sentiment, quoting Jill Harris: "It's just right because I love T.J. Watt," she said. "He's worth it to me. We gotta pay for somebody that's good." Other fans echoed this enthusiasm, with Nicholas Grindle expressing hope for a Super Bowl carry by Watt: "He's gonna carry our defense to the Super Bowl. He's an amazing player. That money is just a milestone for his career."
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