TJ Watt contract extension: Steelers star describes changes in second negotiation of his career

Many Pittsburgh fans were practically holding their breath this offseason while the Steelers front office were in active nogiations with superstar pass rusher T.J. Watt. But for Watt, there was never a doubt, especially given how hands-on he was in the process.

Watt formally signed a record-shattering four-year, $123-million extension with the Steelers earlier this month, a deal that included $108 million guaranteed and averages $41 million per year to make the Wisconsin alum the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. Watt opened up about his involvement in his second non-rookie contract negotiation during a Wednesday appearance on The Pat McAfee Show onsite at Steelers training camp from Latrobae, Pa.

“I’m always getting myself ready for the season regardless of what is happening,” Watt told McAfee on ESPN. “I think the second time around you’re more involved with your agents than the first time for sure, just because you’re older, more mature. You know how the business works. But we always knew a deal would get done and I’m glad it got done when it did.”

Since the Steelers made him the No. 30 overall selection in the 2017 NFL Draft, the former Badgers star has recorded a team-record 108 career sacks, becoming the NFL’s second fastest player to reach 100 career sacks, doing so in just 109 games.

TJ Watt has made a huge impact during his NFL career

In 2024, Watt recorded 61 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks, 27 quarterback hits, six forced fumbles, four passes defended and two fumble recoveries. He was selected to the Pro Bowl and All-Pro Second Team.

“I’m not surprised by it, but it doesn’t mean that it’s not appreciated,” Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said about Watt’s playmaking abilties, per Steelers.com. “I just come to expect it because he’s got a unique talent, a unique approach. Usually that produces unique results with a really consistent tone to it and usually at the most-timely moments. I think the new Steelers are shaking their heads. I think the guys that have been here kind of expect it.”

In 2021, Watt tied the NFL record for most sacks in a season with 22.5. It led to him being named Defensive Player of the Year, and he became the sixth Steelers to earn the award.

“You have to put two guys on this man,” legendary Steelers coach Bill Cowher said. “He can wreak havoc in a game. He is that type of player. He is a defensive player of the year candidate. He is a guy that can change a game. He is a first ballot Hall of Fame player. Those are guys you have to game plan for.”

— On3’s Brian Jones contributed to this report.