T.J. Watt beats Micah Parsons in race to become highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history

After a contract standoff between All-Pro linebacker T.J. Watt and the Pittsburgh Steelers, the seven-year veteran was finally offered a contract extension. That deal made him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.

T.J. Watt’s contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers

T.J. Watt agreed to a three-year, $123 million contract extension with the Steelers.The deal will earn him an average of $41 million a year and includes $108 million fully guaranteed.

The deal comes just ahead of training camp, after Watt skipped offseason workouts,including both voluntary and mandatory minicamps while negotiating. A five-time All-Pro and 2021 Defensive Player of the Year, Watt has racked up 108 career sacks and remains one of the league’s most dominant and durable defenders entering his age-31 season.

This extension resets the market for elite defensive players, with stars like Dallas Cowboys’ Micah Parsons and Cincinnati Bengals’ Trey Hendrickson next in line for major deals.

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