The Pittsburgh Steelers and their star defensive end T.J. Watt reportedly just agreed to a massive new contract. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that Watt received a four-year, $112 million extension that makes him the highest-paid defensive player in the NFL in terms of annual salary at $28 million per season.
Watt, the Steelers’ No. 30 pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, was entering the season with one year left on his rookie deal. The two sides were locked in negotiations for the better part of the offseason but seemed unlikely to make progress before Week 1 game against the Buffalo Bills. During this period, Watt did not fully participate in the team’s practices and instead worked individually on his conditioning.
The deal ended up being done after Watt reportedly overruled his agent. He went to Pittsburgh president Art Rooney and told him he accepted the latest offer the team made him.
The Steelers still haven’t made the official announcement, but Watt himself acknowledged the extension in a social media post later in the day.
Watt’s teammates are also aware of the agreement, with Steelers captain on defense Cam Heyward telling ESPN that the 26-year-old player is “a guy who was more than deserving of this contract.”
“It’s great to know his future is here in Pittsburgh,” Heyward added.
T.J. Watt finished the 2020 NFL season leading the league in sacks (15.0), tackles for loss (23), and QB hits (41). He has 49.5 sacks in his four years as a pro and has received consecutive Pro Bowl nods in the past three seasons.
