BREAKING NEWS: Whether He Signs Before Camp or Just Ahead of Week 1, T.J. Watt Is Likely to Get a Record NFL Contract
As the Pittsburgh Steelers gear up for the 2025 season, all eyes are on star edge rusher T.J. Watt, who is widely expected to become the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history—whether his extension comes before training camp or right before the season kicks off.
Watt, the heart and soul of Pittsburgh’s defense and a former NFL Defensive Player of the Year, is entering the final year of a four-year, $112 million contract he signed in 2021. With one of the league’s top resumes—four First-Team All-Pro selections, multiple 15+ sack seasons, and unmatched consistency—the 30-year-old linebacker is in a position to demand a historic payday.
The Steelers’ Dilemma: Timing the Deal
Pittsburgh traditionally negotiates large contracts late in the offseason, and T.J. Watt’s previous deal wasn’t finalized until just days before the 2021 opener. This year appears to be heading in a similar direction. Watt has skipped voluntary OTAs and mandatory minicamp, signaling his urgency for a new deal and applying pressure on the front office.
Insiders believe that while negotiations are ongoing, both sides are aligned on the outcome: T.J. Watt will stay in Pittsburgh. The only remaining questions are when and how much.
Record-Breaking Contract in Sight
Current projections suggest Watt’s new deal could exceed $40 million per year, surpassing Myles Garrett’s recent extension and setting a new standard for defensive players. The total contract could land in the range of $160 to $170 million over four years, with $100 million or more in guarantees.
This would not only make Watt the highest-paid edge rusher but also the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL—a fitting title for a player who has consistently dominated opposing offenses and elevated the Steelers’ defense to elite status.
Why the Steelers Must Pay
Letting Watt hit free agency or entertaining trade offers is not an option Pittsburgh is seriously considering. Watt is more than just a pass rusher—he’s the emotional leader of the team, a culture cornerstone, and a future Hall of Famer. For a Steelers squad led by veteran QB Aaron Rodgers and aiming for a deep playoff run, securing Watt’s presence long-term is critical.
Additionally, a deal sooner than later would allow the Steelers to manage their salary cap more effectively, potentially front-loading the contract or spreading cap hits over multiple years. This flexibility could help Pittsburgh retain other key talent and build around its Super Bowl-caliber core.
Final Thoughts
Whether it happens in July or September, T.J. Watt’s record-breaking extension feels inevitable. The Steelers know his value—not just in sacks and pressures, but in leadership, toughness, and reliability. When the deal is finally announced, expect it to reshape the defensive contract landscape and firmly establish Watt as one of the most well-compensated—and respected—players in NFL history.
Steelers fans can rest assured: barring a last-minute shock, #90 isn’t going anywhere. And when he gets paid, it’ll be on a level only a play
er of his caliber deserves.
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