The contract saga involving TJ Watt and the Pittsburgh Steelers is finally over as the Wisconsin Badgers alum agreed to a three-year, $123M extension with the team that drafted him, $108 million of it fully guaranteed.
Per Adam Schefter, former Wisconsin #Badgers outside linebacker T.J. Watt has signed a three-year, $123M extension with the Steelers, including $108M fully guaranteed — making him the highest-paid non-QB in NFL history at $41M per year. Well deserved. pic.twitter.com/y8f2xZaBep
— Dillon Graff (@DillonGraff) July 17, 2025
Watt’s contract is the only blot to in the Steelers’ generally great offseason. The signed a new QB in legendary Aaron Rodgers and got solid wide receiver in DK Metcalf.
The delay was reportedly due to the linebacker’s demand for a higher salary.
TJ Watt teased by brother J.J.
Watt was drafted 30th overall in 2017 and has beeb a force for the Steelers since then. He was even named once as the best player in his position by ESPN. Most say it was a well-deserved extension based on what he as done for the franchise alone.
To put T.J. Watt’s dominance since entering the NFL into perspective…
Most Sacks Since 2017: T.J. Watt (108)
Most QB Hits Since 2017: T.J. Watt (225)
Most TFL Since 2017: T.J. Watt (126)
Most Forced Fumbles Since 2017: T.J. Watt (33)Well-deserved money.
— Daniel Valente (@StatsGuyDaniel) July 17, 2025
He hasn’t said anything about the new deal, just a pumped up picture of himself on Steelers jersey on Instagram, but his brother J.J. has something to say.
I swear, if this guy even lets me begin to reach for my wallet at dinner… https://t.co/R52TsWBgYP
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) July 17, 2025
T.J. is now the highest paid non-quarterback player in the league. That title was previously owned by Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase who will earn $40,250,000 on the first year of the deal he signed on March.
In terms of guaranteed salary, defensive Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns still holds the title as he will get at least $122 million from the four-year, $160 million extension he signed four months ago.
For more great Wisconsin sports content
Follow us @WiSportsHeroics for the latest and trending news about Packers, Brewers, Bucks, Marquette, and the rest of Wisconsin Sports. Stay updated by reading more of our Wisconsin Sports articles by clicking here and college basketball by clicking here!
