Pittsburgh Steelers and T.J. Watt agree on 3-year, $123 million contract extension, report says
The Pittsburgh Steelers and T.J. Watt have reportedly agreed on a massive contract extension.
Multiple NFL insiders, including , reported on Thursday that the organization and the team's defensive star have reached a deal that potentially allows him to retire as a Steeler.
T.J. Watt contract details
With the three-year, $123 million deal, Watt has reportedly become the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history for the second time. Watt is reportedly getting $108 million guaranteed with his new contract.
Previously, Watt inked a four-year contract extension in September 2021 that was set to pay him $112 million and made him the highest-paid non-QB at the time.
Watt's reported new deal at $41 million per year comes ahead of Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase ($40.25 million per year) and Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett ($40 million per year), the second- and third-highest paid non-QBs, respectively.
The 30-year-old Watt seemingly alluded to the deal in a .
T.J. Watt signs extension ahead of training camp
Earlier this offseason, the four-time All-Pro skipped the start of mandatory minicamp as he eyed a new deal. Watt is now signed through the 2028 season.
The deal comes six days before Steelers players report for training camp in Latrobe at Saint Vincent College, where the team has held every training camp for the last 57 seasons.
Last regular season, , , six forced fumbles, three strip-sacks and two fumble recoveries.
Steelers fans react to Watt extension
Steelers fans spent all summer waiting for Thursday's contract news.
"It's just right because I love T.J. Watt," Jill Harris said. "He's worth it to me. We gotta pay for somebody that's good."
"He's gonna carry our defense to the Super Bowl," Nicholas Grindle said. "He's an amazing player. That money is just a milestone for his career."
Alex Miller said Watt is a "fantastic talent" and it's "pivotal to have him in the city."
Fans are they are happy that the deal was solidified before training camp next Wednesday.
"It's time to lock in, and everybody get on the same page and think about winning," Oliver Beasley said.
"He's been the best defender in the NFL for quite some time," Beasley added. "He's been the best defender on our team for quite some time, and he clearly still has gas in the tank. So, I think that was the right decision."
