The waiting is finally over. The Pittsburgh Steelers signed their all-time sack leader, T.J. Watt, to a contract extension. Watt signed a three-year $123 million deal to stay with the Steelers through the 2028 season. With the team locking up their All-Pro edge rusher, they are poised to make a run at an AFC North division title and hopefully win their first playoff game since 2016. Let’s dive right into the contract and what it means for this upcoming season!
Steelers Sign Watt
The extension Pittsburgh gave Watt makes him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. The popular star defender did not attend mandatory minicamp back in June due to his desire for a new contract. There were rumblings around the league on whether the Steelers would trade the seven-time Pro Bowler. However, the Pittsburgh faithful, like myself, figured everything would work itself out.
Since entering the league in 2017, Watt has been one of the best defensive players in the NFL. He leads all defensive players in sacks (108), QB Hits (225), TFLs (126), and Forced Fumbles (33) during that period. Yes, he is even ahead of Myles Garrett. TJ also tied the NFL regular-season sack record (22.5) back in 2021 and is the only player to lead the league in sacks on three different occasions in league history. If he continues his pace, he might see his bust one day in the Hall of Fame.
Rating the Contract
Is the contract high? Of course. As previously mentioned, this extension makes Watt the highest-paid non-quarterback ever. With that being said, is this an overpay? No. When you have one of the premier playmakers on either side of the ball, you pay them. It’s that simple.
Everything TJ does on the field is priceless. Since joining the team, the Steelers are 79-44-2 when he plays, allowing 19.9 points per game, compared to 1-11 and allowing 26.3 points per game when he is out of the lineup. When you sign Aaron Rodgers, then trade for DK Metcalf and Jalen Ramsey, it was inevitable that Pittsburgh would pay him.
How Does This Effect Next Season?
The Pittsburgh Steelers need a healthy Watt to have any hopes of achieving their goal of reaching and winning their 7th Super Bowl. With this year being essentially an “all-in” season, they need to have a united front. This contract keeps their best player happy and the core of the team together. The 2025-2026 season is boom or bust.
I expect the Steelers to contend for the division title. Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens will be the dominant team they always are. The Cincinnati Bengals have contract issues with Shemar Stewart and Trey Hendrickson, and lastly, the Cleveland Browns. Enough said, ha-ha. If Rodgers can be better than he was with the Jets, Pittsburgh could be a dangerous team in the AFC.
Final Thoughts
As a Steelers fan, there was never any thought or fear that T.J. Watt would start the season anywhere other than in the Black and Gold. He is worth every penny of this deal. There isn’t another non-quarterback that is more deserving of a contract like this. I am excited for what next season has in store, but what do you think? Where do you see the Steelers finishing in the AFC North, and what do you make of the Watt contract?
As always, thank you so much for checking out my reaction and thoughts on TJ Watt’s contract extension with the Pittsburgh Steelers! Be sure to check out our other amazing content here at New Leaf News! We hope you’re enjoying your day, and we look forward to seeing you all again soon.
