Brothers T.J. and J.J. Watt have long been considered the ultimate NFL sibling duo. For fans and the brothers themselves, pairing them on the same team was a dream scenario. However, prolonged negotiations over T.J.’s contract deal ultimately led to J.J. joining the Arizona Cardinals instead of Pittsburgh Steelers.
In 2021, the Steelers signed T.J. Watt to a record $112 million extension, making him the highest-paid defensive player in the league. The deal, however, took months to finalize due to issues over guaranteed money past the first year. Pittsburgh broke precedent by offering guaranteed cash over the first three years of T.J.’s deal.
The back-and-forth negotiations frustrated T.J. himself, causing J.J. to explore other options. Six months before his brother’s deal was finalized, J.J. signed a two-year, $28 million contract with the Cardinals. He stated that he wouldn’t want to take any single dollar away from his brother and their contract negotiations.
J.J. Watt spent two years in Arizona and continued to prove himself as a top player, recording 18 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks in 2022. Instead of re-signing or entering free agency again, J.J. chose to retire and focus on family. He has also invested in Burnley FC, a soccer team.
T.J., still a top pass rusher, is seeking another extension this offseason. J.J. believes an extension should have happened last year. Although they won’t be teammates, the brothers will eventually be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame as two of the greatest defensive players of their era.
Source: https://steelersdepot.com/2025/03/prolonged-t-j-watt-negotiations-prevented-j-j-watt-from-signing-with-steelers