Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt signs $112.01 million contract
Contract includes $35.59 million signing bonus, $80 million guaranteed
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt has signed a four-year, $112.01 million contract extension, making him the NFL's highest-paid defensive player, the team announced Thursday.
Contract details
The deal includes a $35.59 million signing bonus and $80 million guaranteed. Watt's average annual salary of $28.00275 million surpasses the previous record for a defensive player, which was held by Khalil Mack of the Chicago Bears ($23.5 million).
Watt's contract is the largest ever given to a player by the Steelers. The previous record was held by quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who signed a four-year, $99 million extension in 2019.
Career highlights
Watt has been one of the most dominant defensive players in the NFL since being drafted by the Steelers in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He has been named to the Pro Bowl three times and was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2021.
In 2021, Watt recorded 22.5 sacks, 39 tackles for loss, and seven forced fumbles. He also intercepted four passes and returned one for a touchdown.
Impact on Steelers
Watt's contract extension is a major boost for the Steelers, who are looking to rebound from a disappointing 9-8 season in 2021.
Watt is one of the best players in the NFL, and his presence on the field will help the Steelers improve their defense, which was ranked 31st in the league in 2021.
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