The Pittsburgh Steelers and superstar pass rusher T.J. Watt have been locked in contract negotiations this offseason. While things dragged out a lot longer than either side would have hoped, the two sides have finally come together.
According to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Steelers have signed Watt to a historic contract. Watt received a three-year, $123 million contract extension.
What makes that deal historic? Watt has now become the highest-paid per year player outside of a quarterback in NFL history.
T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers warms up prior to the game against the New York Giants at Acrisure Stadium on October 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers warms up prior to the game against the New York Giants at Acrisure Stadium on October 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images
Watt has been the face of the franchise for Pittsburgh in recent years. Making sure that he finishes his career with the Steelers was a major priority for the team.
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This three-year deal doesn’t necessarily mean that it will be Watt’s final contract. He is 30 years old entering the 2025 NFL season. It’s possible that the two sides will have to figure out another deal down the road at some point.
That being said, Watt coming back is a huge step towards Super Bowl contention.
All offseason long, it has been clear that Pittsburgh is targeting a Super Bowl run. The one-year free agency deal with Aaron Rodgers was a clear sign of that. Making the aggressive trades to acquire star wide receiver DK Metcalf, star cornerback Jalen Ramsey, and star tight end Jonnu Smith are more signs.
Mike Tomlin and company are all-in on the 2025 season. Watt is going to be a massive part of their pursuit of bringing another championship home.
Last season with the Steelers, Watt put together another quality year. He played in all 17 games, racking up 61 tackles to go along with 11.5 sacks, six forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and four defended passes.
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Fans in Pittsburgh are ecstatic about the agreement that has been made. Watt embodies everything about Steelers football. Now, he’s back long-term.
It will be interesting to see what the upcoming campaign has in store for both Watt and Pittsburgh. The front office has put the pieces in place to be a very dangerous team in the AFC. Watt seems likely to be the final piece of the puzzle, unless the Steelers decide to get aggressive and add another wide receiver to the mix.
With training camp about to begin, this deal came to fruition just in time.
For more Pittsburgh Steelers and NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
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