Report: Steelers Sign T.J. Watt to Record-Breaking Contract Extension

The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed their All-Pro edge rusher to a new deal.

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers have finally inked All-Pro edge rusher T.J. Watt to a contract extension, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. 

The extension includes a four-year deal worth more than $112 million with $80 million fully guaranteed. He'll receive roughly $28 million annually.

Watt, 26, was the Steelers’ first-round pick in 2017. He’s earned two First-Team All-Pro and one Second-Team All-Pro selections and three Pro Bowls and has been a Defensive Player of the Year finalist the last two seasons in Pittsburgh.

Sources: The #Steelers and star pass-rusher TJ Watt have a mega-deal. He’s going to sign a 4-year extension worth more than $112M — $28.003M average per year — with $80M fully guaranteed at signing. The highest paid defensive player in football. 💰 💰 💰

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 9, 2021

Watt totaled 53 tackles, 41 quarterback hits, 23 tackles for loss and a league-leading 15.5 sacks in 2020. It was his third double-digit sack season in four years.

The extension makes Watt the highest-paid pass-rusher in the NFL, annually. Joey Bosa, Myles Garrett and Khalil Mack follow. 

• 2. Bosa: $27 million
• 3. Garrett: $25 million
• 4. Mack: $23.5 million

The deal comes right before the Steelers Week 1 game against the Buffalo Bills. Watt returned to practice during the week and is expected to play on Sunday. 

Noah Strackbein is a Publisher with AllSteelers. Follow Noah on Twitter @NoahStrack, and AllSteelers @si_steelers.

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