Breaking News: Steelers Elevate T.J. Watt to Highest-Paid Non-QB in NFL History!

PITTSBURGH — T.J. Watt and the Pittsburgh Steelers have reached a three-year deal that makes him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history—again.

At 31, Watt’s new contract is worth $123 million, with a staggering $108 million guaranteed upfront. This brings his average salary to $41 million per year, surpassing Myles Garrett from the Cleveland Browns, who had an average of $40 million per year just this offseason.

Watt led the NFL with 73.5 sacks in the last five seasons. His contract discussions kept him from joining the Steelers’ mandatory minicamp in June. But with the deal finally settled, he’s set to report to training camp soon.

Watt shared his excitement on Instagram, posting a photo of himself celebrating in his Steelers uniform.

Despite the long negotiations, confidence in Watt’s commitment remained strong. Steelers general manager Omar Khan expressed hope that Watt would spend his entire career in Pittsburgh.

Teammates also rallied around him. For example, Aaron Rodgers publicly supported Watt, and defensive captain Cameron Heyward made it clear to Khan that trading Watt was not an option.

By finalizing this contract, the Steelers can now focus on their preseason. They’ve made significant roster changes, including acquiring Rodgers and trading for All-Pro players like cornerback Jalen Ramsey and wide receiver DK Metcalf.

Looking back, Watt was last made the highest-paid non-quarterback in 2021, just before the regular season started. The team hopes this new agreement eliminates last-minute distractions.

Watt is a proven performer, being the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2021. He has led the league in sacks multiple times, but he faced challenges in the latter part of the previous season. He finished with 11.5 sacks, but his performance dwindled during the Steelers’ last five games.

In January, Watt acknowledged he’d like to be more versatile. He said, “I want to be an impact player. I don’t want to be schemed out of games.”

This commitment to improvement and leadership on and off the field highlights why the Steelers are keen to keep Watt in Pittsburgh.

For more on NFL contracts, you can check out ESPN.

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