The Pittsburgh Steelers have little option but to pay T.J. Watt—and the going rate for elite edge rushers has already been set by the market.
NFL insider Tom Pelissero reported that Fred Warner inked a three-year, \$63 million extension with the 49ers.
Meanwhile, the Browns made Myles Garrett the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history earlier this offseason with a deal averaging \$40 million per year.
Watt’s agent will undoubtedly aim to surpass that figure in pursuit of a new benchmark-setting contract.
As CBS Sports’ Tyler Sullivan noted, Watt signed a \$112 million extension in 2021 that, at the time, made him the league’s top-paid defensive player. Now entering the final year of that contract, Watt may be looking to reset the market again. To do so, he’ll need a deal that tops Garrett’s \$40 million annual average value. Watt currently earns around \$28 million per year, so the jump would be significant—but it’s justified. Since his last deal, he’s earned Defensive Player of the Year honors, three more All-Pro selections, and just wrapped up a 2024 campaign with 11.5 sacks and a league-best six forced fumbles.
That kind of production speaks volumes.
Beyond his stats, Watt has become the face of the Steelers franchise since Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement. Trading him would be unthinkable—and likely spark outrage among fans.
He’s widely seen as a lifelong Steeler, and it’s only a matter of time before he signs the next contract to prove it.