BREACKING NEWS : Lock Up T.J. Watt with Record $123M Extension, Cementing Defensive Core” T.J. Watt signs a three-year deal making him the highest-paid non‑QB defender in NFL history.

Lock Up T.J. Watt with Record $123M Extension, Cementing Defensive Core” T.J. Watt signs a three-year deal making him the highest-paid non‑QB defender in NFL history.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have reached a landmark agreement with their star linebacker, T.J. Watt, signing him to a three-year, $123 million contract extension that officially makes him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. The deal includes $108 million in guaranteed money and carries an average annual value of $41 million—surpassing the previous high-water mark set by Myles Garrett’s $40 million‑a‑year deal

Watt’s dominance is well-documented: since entering the league in 2017, he has racked up 108 career sacks, led the NFL in sacks multiple times, and earned multiple All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors The extension comes hot on the heels of Watt skipping mandatory minicamp to emphasize his importance to the team—but now that the contract is sealed, he’s expected to report to training camp at St. Vincent College with full focus .

This move marks the latest big play in an aggressive offseason for the Steelers. Alongside securing Watt, they’ve added veteran QB Aaron Rodgers, traded for stars like Jalen Ramsey and DK Metcalf, and fortified the roster while maintaining budget flexibility.

Steelers GM Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin emphasized Watt’s irreplaceable role:

“I’m hopeful T.J. will finish his career here,” Khan said at the league meetings back in March .
Tomlin, asked about Watt’s absence from minicamp, simply stated it was “only a matter of time” before the deal was done