Steelers' TJ Watt Worked Out His Extension Quickly Behind The Scenes: 'They Were Pretty Far Away'

With the start of training camp just days away, the Pittsburgh Steelers have more than likely made their final big move of the offseason. The Steelers signed superstar edge rusher TJ Watt to a three-year extension, as the move instantly solidifies Pittsburgh's defensive unit among the league's best. Watt will remain as a crucial piece on the Steelers' defense for years to come, as the veteran is widely expected to continue to dominate.

Watt will receive a guaranteed $108 million in the deal, as the total $123 million extension will officially make the veteran the highest paid non-quarterback in NFL history. Watt has thrived throughout every stage of his career, as the seven-time Pro Bowler is widely regarded as one of the best overall defensive players in all of football. With an extension officially in place, the superstar linebacker is expected to turn his attention towards the start of training camp and the season.

As social media continues to question what took so long for both sides to reach an agreement, Steelers insider Mark Kaboly took a moment to share some insight on the situation, during an episode of Kaboly + Mack.

"I'm kind of surprised at how quickly it came together," Kaboly stated. "Because a week ago, actually today, there wasn't much movement man."

Kaboly then went on to add that both sides weren't close to reaching an agreement, as the details surrounding the deal were not made public until after the contract was signed.

"There wasn't much movement at all and they were pretty far away."

Kaboly's comments may not come as surprising to many, as talks surrounding Watt's extension seemed to have reached a roadblock prior to the deal being made official. 

The loss of a player of Watt's caliber could have been catastrophic for the Steelers' defense, as the generational veteran leads the league in sacks over the past five seasons with 73.5. With Watt remaining under contract for several years to come, the star linebacker is expected to thrive throughout his next four seasons in Pittsburgh.

Watt will be faced with a major role throughout the 2025 season, as the veteran will look to add to an already impressive resume. Watt could make a crucial impact off the field as well, as the veteran will be the perfect mentor for rookies Derrick Harmon and Jack Sawyer. Harmon and Sawyer may shine playing alongside Watt and Cam Heyward, as both rookies will look to make an impact throughout their first respective NFL seasons.

Steelers' Derrick Harmon May Thrive Throughout 2025

With Watt's extension officially in place, the team is expected to turn their attention towards the start of training camp. Harmon is expected to receive advice and criticism from both Watt and Heyward throughout the course of camp, as the Steelers' first-round selection will look to play at an elite level throughout his rookie season. Harmon was a star on the college level, as the former Oregon Duck played a major role in the program's success last season.

Harmon finds himself in prime position to thrive this season, as the rookie will be learning from two of the greatest defensive players to ever play the game. Heyward, a 14-year veteran, is an elite defensive tackle who continues to shine despite being in the later stage of his career. Heyward could play a key role in Harmon's development this season, as the veteran will look to pick up where he left off last year.

With Watt officially under contract for the next four seasons, the Steelers have solidified themselves with a top defense in all of football for years to come. Pittsburgh's rookies and rising stars are expected to benefit from Watt's presence as well, as the veteran may play a massive role in the development of multiple players. With the start of training camp under a week away, fans can expect to see the team practicing in full pads together for the first time in the near future.