After skipping mandatory minicamp, Pittsburgh Steelers star pass rusher T.J. Watt has a new contract that makes him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.
T.J. Watt Agrees To New Contract
ESPN sources: Steelers star TJ Watt has become the highest-paid non-QB in NFL history for the second time in his illustrious career, reaching agreement today on a three-year, $123 million extension that includes $108M fully guaranteed at signing. The $41 million per year average… pic.twitter.com/si6V7FUdlp
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 17, 2025
When Pittsburgh’s veterans report to training camp next week, Watt should be there thanks to a new deal.
Watt and the Steelers have agreed to terms on a three-year, $123 million extension, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Thursday. The deal includes $108 million fully guaranteed at signing.
Watt’s contract carries a $41 million average per year, the highest total for a non-QB in NFL history. Watt’s $41 million passes Cincinnati Bengals receiver Ja’Marr Chase’s $40.3 million and Cleveland Browns edge rusher Myles Garrett’s $40 million.
After holding in at training camp before the 2021 season, Watt signed a four-year, $112 million contract to become the highest-paid NFL defensive player at the time.
Watt was set to make a base salary of $21.05 million in 2025. The star edge rusher wanted a new deal before the start of the 2025 season.
Watt skipped mandatory minicamp to show his displeasure with his current deal. With the lucrative extension, Watt should be in attendance when the Steelers report to training camp on July 23.
If the Steelers’ dream of winning a playoff game, they need Watt on the field. No one in the NFL has more sacks over the last five seasons than Watt, who has 73.5.
Watt has at least 11.5 sacks in six of eight seasons. For tying the NFL’s single-season sack record (22.5), Watt won the 2021 Defensive Player of the Year.
Watt has garnered four first-team All-Pro honors and seven Pro Bowls in eight seasons.
Pittsburgh Steelers Season Outlook
Earned.
Deserved.
Incredible. @_TJWatt @steelers— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) July 17, 2025
With Watt signed, the Steelers can now turn their attention toward training camp and the upcoming season.
Pittsburgh’s biggest acquisition was arguably quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who signed a one-year, $13.65 million contract with the Steelers.
Rodgers’ top target will be DK Metcalf, whom the Steelers acquired in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks.
Pittsburgh was not done making noteworthy acquisitions. The Steelers traded safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and a 2027 fifth-round pick for cornerback Jalen Ramsey, tight end Jonnu Smith, and a 2027 seventh-round pick.
With this likely Rodgers’ last season, the Steelers are going all-in to not only qualify for the postseason but also win a playoff game. Pittsburgh has lost six consecutive playoff games since defeating the Miami Dolphins in the Wild Card round of the 2016 season.
The Steelers travel to MetLife to play Rodgers’ former team, the New York Jets, in Week 1.
