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T.J. Watt signs record contract extension with Steelers

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Steve DelVecchio | Last updated Jul 17, 2025 4:48 PM ET

The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed TJ Watt to a record-setting contract extension ahead of training camp.

Watt and the Steelers have agreed to a 3-year, $123 million extension, according to multiple reports. The deal includes $108 million fully guaranteed at signing.

Watt’s new average annual salary of $41 million makes him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.

ESPN sources: Steelers star TJ Watt has become the highest-paid non-QB in NFL history for the second time in his illustrious career, reaching agreement today on a three-year, $123 million extension that includes $108M fully guaranteed at signing. The $41 million per year average… pic.twitter.com/si6V7FUdlp
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 17, 2025

Myles Garrett signed an extension with the Cleveland Browns earlier this offseason that has an average annual value of $40 million. That deal served as the benchmark for Watt and the Steelers.

The Steelers maintained all along that they were not entertaining trade offers for Watt. Some people speculated that they might be willing to move the star pass-rusher after they acquired Pro Bowl defensive back Jalen Ramsey in a trade last month, but both players will now help anchor Pittsburgh’s defense.

Watt will turn 31 in October. He had 61 tackles and 11.5 sacks with 6 forced fumbles in 17 games last season. Watt has 108 sacks across eight NFL seasons, including the record-tying 22.5 sacks he had in 2021.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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