Steelers Rumors: TJ Watt's Contract Restructured to Create $6.75M in Cap Space

The Pittsburgh Steelers and linebacker T.J. Watt reportedly agreed to restructure his four-year, $112 million contract ahead of the 2022 season.

Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reported Wednesday the Steelers created an additional $6.75 million in salary-cap space as a result of the reworked deal.

Pittsburgh had a modest $2.5 million in cap space before the restructure, per Spotrac. Now the front office has a little more wiggle room for free-agent signings when injuries inevitably arise in the coming months.

Watt's career is off to a tremendous start. He's the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year after tying the all-time record with 22.5 sacks to go along with 64 total tackles, seven passes defended and five forced fumbles in 15 games last season.

His other accolades include four Pro Bowl appearances and three First-Team All-Pro selections since the Steelers selected him in the first round of the 2017 draft.

The 27-year-old Wisconsin native knows there's one major void in his resume, though.

Watt told reporters that they had to win a Super Bowl.

The Steelers haven't received much championship hype heading into the new campaign, but their roster is actually quite strong in terms of both offensive and defensive playmakers.

So the key question is whether they'll get enough from their quarterbacks, whether it be veteran starter Mitchell Trubisky or rookie backup Kenny Pickett.

If either of those signal-callers exceeds expectations, Pittsburgh could emerge as a sleeper in the loaded AFC playoff picture, especially if Watt pushes toward the sack record for a second straight year.

The Steelers kick off the season Sunday when they visit Paycor Stadium to take on the division rival and reigning AFC champion Cincinnati Bengals.