Steelers pass rusher TJ Watt has agreed to a massive new extension with the team – and become the league’s highest-paid defender in the process.
Watt, 30, skipped OTAs and minicamp as he sought a new deal, and was even linked with a shock trade out of Pittsburgh.
However, the four-time All-Pro is going nowhere after signing a three-year, $123million deal with the team according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
The contract also includes $108 guaranteed.
Watt is set to earn just over $21million this season in the last year of his previous contract.
The Steelers star is the younger brother of former Texans defensive end JJ Watt, who congratulated his brother after.
Pass rusher TJ Watt has agreed a new deal to remain with the Pittsburgh Steelers
‘Earned. Deserved. Incredible,’ he wrote, while tagging his brother and the Steelers.
ESPN previously reported that a number of team held talks about whether they could trade for Watt, the 2021 Defensive Player of the Year.
Watt’s new contract is set to pay him an average of $41million – surpassing the $40million per year that Myles Garrett’s new four-year, $160million deal will see him earn.
Since being drafted in 2017 out of Wisconsin, Watt has spent his entire career in Pittsburgh and established himself as one of the league’s best pass rushers.
He’s led the league in sacks three times and has racked up a total of 108 sacks – good for 31st in league history.
Watt has also led the league in forced fumbles on two occasions, including last season.
With the pass rusher back in the fray for Pittsburgh’s training camp, the Steelers will prepare for their Week 1 matchup at the Jets.
