The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed superstar pass rusher T.J. Watt to a three-year, $123 million contract extension, making him the top-paid non-quarterback in league history.
Watt’s new deal solidifies his position as one of the NFL’s best defenders and sets the stage for the team’s playoff aspirations. With an average annual salary of nearly $41 million, Watt will likely finish his career with the Steelers and could vault to second on the active sack list in 2025.
The conclusion of negotiations brings a sense of closure to the Steelers’ offseason, which had been marked by patience from coach Mike Tomlin and general manager Omar Khan. With Watt returning to the fold, expectations are growing for a team that hasn’t won a playoff game since 2016.
Watt’s extension also has implications for his teammates, particularly perennial Pro Bowler Jalen Ramsey, who was acquired in June. The new deal is expected to benefit Ramsey, allowing him to cover receivers out wide and man the slot with more ease.
Other notable players, such as Micah Parsons and Myles Garrett, will likely be affected by Watt’s new contract. Parsons’ next extension is expected to be highly lucrative, while Garrett may struggle with the financial implications of being overtaken as the league’s best-paid defender.
The Steelers’ Week 1 opponents, New York Jets, will now face an offense led by quarterback Justin Fields and a pass rusher who was once considered the face of the franchise. With Watt on board, expectations are high for the team to make a playoff push.
Overall, T.J. Watt’s record-breaking extension solidifies his position as one of the NFL’s top defenders and sets the stage for the Steelers’ playoff aspirations in 2025.
Source: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/columnist/nate-davis/2025/07/17/tj-watt-contract-extension-winners-losers-aaron-rodgers-micah-parsons/85264514007