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TJ Watt becomes highest-paid defensive player in NFL history, per report
By Sydney Hunte
Published:
TJ Watt has come to terms with a contract extension with the Pittsburgh Steelers, one that reflects his standing as one of the best players in the league at any position.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the extension is for three years and $123 million, with $108 million fully guaranteed. With an AAV of $41 million, that makes him the highest-paid defender of all time.
Watt was entering the final year of his contract in 2025, the fourth year of an extension signed in 2021 worth $112 million with a guarantee of $80 million. That contract initially made him the NFL’s all-time highest-paid defender, with his most recent extension re-establishing that status.
In eight seasons with the Steelers, Watt has recorded 108.8 sacks, including a NFL record 22.5 sacks in 2021 as he was named the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year. He is a four-time 1st-team All-Pro and has been named to the Pro Bowl roster in every year outside of his rookie campaign in 2017.
In 2024, Watt totaled 61 tackles, 19 tackles for a loss, and 11.5 sacks, along with a league high six forced fumbles. He has led the NFL in sacks in three seasons (2020, 2021, 2023) and in TFLS twice (2020 and 2021).