After months of discourse over the future of T.J. Watt, the Pittsburgh Steelers have officially signed their all-time sack leader to a monster three-year, $123 million extension. The deal makes him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history on a per-year basis at $41 million, edging out AFC North rival stars Ja'Marr Chase and Myles Garrett.
He also gets a massive $108 million guaranteed at signing, making this a true three-year commitment to the future Hall of Famer. Watt is now tied to the team through 2028, when he will be entering his age-35 season.
This deal always felt inevitable, but reports surrounding a potential trade had become a concern for fans hoping to see him end his career in a Steelers uniform. With that concern laid to rest, now the focus turns to making sure Watt and the team can finally get back to Super Bowl contention before it's too late.
With T.J. Watt now locked down, Pittsburgh Steelers must make the most of 2025
The Steelers' flurry of offseason moves has made waves across the NFL, but the Watt contract drama put the team in danger of doing all of it for nothing. Watt remains the heart and soul of this roster, and any chances of making a real playoff run would require a fully invested version of the star edge rusher.
Signing him to this deal is not without its pitfalls, however.
Watt will turn 31 during the 2025 season, and his extension won't even kick in until he is nearing 32. Pass rushers often start to decline by that age, and Watt himself had a rough ending to the 2024 season. That doesn't guarantee he has truly regressed already, but it's a concern that both he and the Steelers must be wary of.
With new talent added to the defensive line and secondary this offseason, the hope is that there will be less pressure on the four-time All-Pro to be the savior he has often been. Cam Heyward looks as good as ever despite also being in his 30s, and first-round pick Derrick Harmon is already in line for a starting job.
The addition of Jalen Ramsey could also force QBs to hold the ball a bit longer, giving Watt more time to defeat the frequent chips and redirects he faced last season.
Overall, this was a contract that needed to happen if Pittsburgh wanted to give 2025 their best shot. It may end up aging poorly, but nobody will remember that if they can finally get back to winning playoff games.