Steelers Now
On Thursday, Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro outside linebacker T.J. Watt become the highest-paid non-QB in NFL history for the second time in his Hall of Fame career, reaching agreement on a three-year, $123 million extension that includes $108 million fully guaranteed at signing, according to ESPN’s NFL insider Adam Schefter.
Watt, who will average $41 million per year, once again tops Cleveland Browns’ edge rusher Myles Garrett as the highest-paid non-QB. Garrett was just made the highest paid non-quarterback in NFL history earlier this offseason.
No player has recorded more sacks over the last five seasons than Watt, who has 73.5 during that span. In one-score games since 2021, T.J. Watt ranks first in sacks (43), forced fumbles (12) and batted passes (14), according to Pro Football Focus.
Watt confirmed the news of the deal on his Instagram account. Several Steelers players, even ex-Steeler George Pickens, commented on the massive new contact for Watt.
LESGO! 🙏🏾 https://t.co/ZAc2xs8hEY
— Jalen Ramsey (@jalenramsey) July 17, 2025
T.J. Watt’s brother J.J. and several media outlets and personalities also reacted to the record-breaking deal.
Earned.
Deserved.
Incredible. @_TJWatt @steelers— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) July 17, 2025
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. Watt got the BAG 💰 pic.twitter.com/0GYdsOP9pI
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) July 17, 2025
TJ Watt since 2020:
🟡 73.5 sacks (1st)
⚫️ 56 TFLs (2nd)The highest-paid non-QB in NFL history 💰 pic.twitter.com/TLvsUKWjn1
— PFF (@PFF) July 17, 2025
TJ Watt just got PAID 💰 pic.twitter.com/hWRvShOlj9
— PFF (@PFF) July 17, 2025
T.J. Watt is a better player than Myles Garrett. The numbers don’t lie #Steelers: pic.twitter.com/mb5durWCAz
— Austin Bechtold (@AustinRBechtold) July 17, 2025
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
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Steelers Players React to T.J. Watt’s Massive New Deal
