TJ Watt Ends Holdout, Becomes NFL's Highest-Paid Non-QB with Record-Breaking Deal
By Dez Barnes
The Pittsburgh Steelers' tense standoff with their defensive cornerstone is officially over. Four-time All-Pro edge rusher TJ Watt has agreed to a massive three-year, $123 million extension that makes him the highest-paid defender in NFL history and the league's top-paid non-quarterback.
Breaking Records Left and Right
At $41 million per year, Watt's deal narrowly surpasses Myles Garrett's previous record of $40 million annually, marking the third time the edge-rusher market has been reset in 2025. The contract also pushes Watt past Bengals receiver Ja'Marr Chase's $40.3 million average, officially crowning him as the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league.
For a player who has earned Pro Bowl honors in each of the last seven seasons and All-Pro recognition in five of the last six campaigns, the payday feels both inevitable and well-deserved. Watt's resume speaks for itself: 108 career sacks, 33 forced fumbles, 462 tackles (126 for loss), and seven interceptions, plus the 2021 Defensive Player of the Year award.
Perfect Timing for Pittsburgh
The deal couldn't have come at a better time for general manager Omar Khan, who can now check off the final item on his extensive offseason to-do list. With Watt locked up, the Steelers enter training camp without any lingering questions about their most crucial pieces.
Watt returns as the centerpiece of a defense that has welcomed several high-profile additions, including cornerback Jalen Ramsey, safety Juan Thornhill, rookie defensive tackle Derrick Harmon, and veteran cornerback Darius Slay. While the new faces may require an adjustment period, Pittsburgh appears significantly stronger on paper than last season.
Drama Finally Over
The resolution ends months of uncertainty that had Steelers fans on edge. Watt skipped mandatory minicamp and even posted a cryptic peace sign on social media in April, sparking fears that the franchise might lose their most valuable player after eight seasons. Those concerns persisted throughout a busy offseason that saw Khan remake the offense with a blockbuster trade for DK Metcalf, the free-agent signing of Aaron Rodgers, and a deal that sent Minkah Fitzpatrick to Miami for Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith.
A Career-Defining Moment
At 31 years old in October, Watt's extension likely ensures he'll finish his career in the same black and gold uniform where it all began. With four years remaining after this deal, the Steelers have secured their defensive anchor through what should be the remainder of his prime years.
When veterans report to St. Vincent College in Latrobe on July 23, the focus can finally shift from contract negotiations to football preparation. Thanks to Khan's decisive move, veteran teammates like Cam Heyward won't face endless questions about Watt's future – because that future is now firmly planted in Pittsburgh.
The deal represents the cherry on top of what has been a transformative offseason for the Steelers, one that positions them as serious contenders with their defensive superstar locked in for the long haul.
