The Pittsburgh Steelers and linebacker TJ Watt have come to terms on a contract extension that will make him the highest paid defender in the NFL. Ian Rapoport broke the news of the new mega deal earlier this afternoon:
The new deal comes on the heels of several Steelers players, most notably QB Ben Roethlisberger expressing their frustration with the situation to the media in recent days. Speaking to reporters earlier this week, Ben quipped “I think TJ should get paid whatever the heck he wants…One of the reasons I took less money was for guys like him to get paid, and he needs to get paid. He deserves every penny that he wants and asks for. T.J. Watt is that guy that should get whatever he wants.”
Watt’s extension eclipses the previous benchmark for highest annual salary for a defensive player which was held by Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa. Bosa’s deal saw him earn $27M annually, while Watt will take home $28M a season with one less year on his deal.
The soon to be 27 year old finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting last season to Aaron Donald. Since entering the league in 2017, Watt has registered 49.5 sacks and 59 tackles for loss. In each of the last three seasons, he’s recorded at least 13 sacks and has seen his QB hits rise each year as well.
While Watt was present at Steelers training camp, up to this point he was working out individually with the team’s strength and conditioning coach while his agents negotiated the new contract. With pen now put to paper, Watt and his teammates can focus on their week 1 clash with the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.
The Bills are currently -6.5 favourites against the Steelers at various sportsbooks around the country. TJ currently holds the 3rd best odds of taking home Defensive Player of the Year honours at +700 behind Aaron Donald and Myles Garrett.
-Kyle Skinner
Twitter: @JKyleSkinner