Pittsburgh Steelers Reportedly Make T.J. Watt Highest-Paid Non-QB in NFL History

National Football League: Pittsburgh Steelers Reportedly Make T.J. Watt Highest-Paid Non-QB in NFL History

T.J. Watt’s contract standoff has come to an end, as the Pittsburgh Steelers have signed the star linebacker to a three-year, $123 million deal, according to ESPN. This extension, featuring $108 million fully guaranteed, will elevate Watt to the status of the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history, with an average annual salary of $41 million.

Watt took to Instagram, sharing a photo of himself celebrating, seemingly confirming the successful negotiation with Pittsburgh. This contract will also provide Watt the highest salary in Steelers history. He was entering the final season of a four-year, $112 million contract and had been pursuing a new agreement. The four-time All-Pro and seven-time Pro Bowler has devoted his entire eight-year NFL career to Pittsburgh (2017-24), having been drafted 30th overall from Wisconsin in the 2017 NFL Draft. Watt was honored with the 2021 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award. wow888 app

In the previous season, Watt recorded 11.5 sacks, leading the NFL with six forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and 61 combined tackles. He ranked first among edge defenders with a 91.4 run-defense grade, third with a 92.2 overall grade, and sixth with a 90.1 pass-rush grade, based on Pro Football Focus evaluations.

Watt has led the NFL in sacks three times, and in both forced fumbles and tackles for loss twice each. He sits at the top of Steelers history with 108.0 sacks and is tied for second with 33 forced fumbles. He will celebrate his 31st birthday in October.

Prior to Watt’s reported extension, the Cleveland Browns made defensive end Myles Garrett the highest-paid pass rusher in the NFL back in March, signing him to a four-year, $160 million extension ($40 million average annual salary). taya265 Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Bengals secured wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase with a four-year, $161 million extension ($40.25 million average annual salary), making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history at that time.

The Steelers are coming off a 10-7 season, which ended in a loss to the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC wild-card round. 365.ph They lost quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields to free agency and instead signed former New York Jets quarterback and four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers, who mentioned he anticipates that the 2025 NFL season will be his last.

Ironically, Watt, Rodgers, and the Steelers will kick off the 2025 season on the road against the Jets on September 7. 1888 jili

What are your thoughts on T.J. Watt’s monumental new contract agree terms conditions?