Marcus Spears, Dan Orlovsky and Dan Orlovsky couldn't help but to dance when they heard that T.J. Watt has signed a historic contract with the Steelers. (1:34).
PITTSBURGH -- The Steelers and T.J. Watt, outside linebacker for the Steelers, broke with their tradition to reach a massive deal on Thursday.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Watt, 26, has agreed to a four year extension worth $112 million. According to a source, the agreement includes $80million in full guarantees.
Steelers defensive captain Cam Heyward said that "this is a guy who was more deserving than this contract." It's wonderful to know that his future is in Pittsburgh.
Watt is the NFL's highest-paid defense player with an average annual salary of $28 million. Joey Bosa, Los Angeles Chargers defensive lineman, signed a five-year extension worth $135 million in 2020. It has an average of $27 million and $102 million guarantee.
Watt's contract also surpasses that of Chicago Bears outside linebacker Khalil Mak, who had a $141 million six-year contract in 2018. Mack's contract averages $23.5million annually and comes with $90 million guarantee.
Reacting to Watt's news, Joe Haden, cornerback, tweeted "I could cry." "U deserve every penny!! You have shown professionalism and played at the highest level of the league since your rookie year.
Worth Top Dollar T.J. Watt has the highest average salary in the NFL as a defensive player, and his guaranteed money is comparable to his peers. Sacks since '18 Guaranteed $ Aaron Donald 46.5 $86.9M T.J. Watt 42.5 $80M Myles Garrett 35.5 $100M -- ESPN Stats & Information research
Negotiations pushed forward into Week 1, as Steelers' season-opener contract deadline drew near. Both sides tried to reach a common understanding on the guarantees.
Steelers typically only guarantee the signing bonus. The Steelers will usually restructure the contract and provide more security and guaranteed money later than they do up front.
Watt's case however, broke that mold.
According to ESPN Stats and Information research, Ben Roethlisberger, who currently has $67.5 million guaranteed, was the Steelers' previous highest guaranteed money.
Watt's team made public a push for edge rusher Watt to receive a huge deal throughout the week. Heyward and Roethlisberger both supported Watt getting whatever amount he desired.
Roethlisberger stated Wednesday that he is "arguably the best football player right now," not only on defense but in general. "I've been through negotiations with contracts. He needs to be paid. That is why I took less money.
He deserves every penny he asks for and wants. T.J. Watt should have everything he desires.
Watt isn’t the only member of his family that has made record-setting income. Watt's older brother J.J. Watt signed a six year, $100 million extension in 2014 with the Houston Texans. J.J.'s guaranteed $51.8 million and average $16.6 million were records for a NFL defensive player in 2014.
After his 2020 15-sack campaign, Watt was second in the Defensive Player Of The Year voting to Aaron Donald of Los Angeles Rams. To his 53 total tackles, he also had an interception and two forced forfumbles.
Watt has amassed double-digit sacks since 2018, when he started recording 13, 14.5, and 15 sacks. He had two forced fumbles for 2020, his lowest total since he recorded one in his rookie season. He had six in 2018, and eight in 2019, along with four fumble recoveryies. He was third in the Defensive Player Of The Year voting, behind Arizona linebacker Chandler Jones and Stephon Gilmore of New England Patriots cornerback.
Coach Mike Tomlin stated that T.J. was visiting another planet during the 2020 season. He has a freakishly rare talent, combined with a freakishly unique mindset and work habits, and it results in what you see every week. This is, I believe, Defensive Player Of The Year quality.
In free agency, the Steelers released Bud Dupree, a fellow outside linebacker, and signaled that they were moving forward in Watt's place as the cornerstone of their defense and would sign a huge deal for him. He'll be an anchor on the left side pass rush, and a part of a rotation with Alex Highsmith and Melvin Ingram, former Chargers outside linebacker.
Steelers had a tight cap for 2020 and 2021 due to Roethlisberger's contract. However, they restructured it and released David DeCastro, longtime right guard, before camp. This freed up space for them to sign veteran free agents and ink Watt, which allowed them to make a huge deal.
The Steelers will be in a different cap situation after this season. Roethlisberger’s contract is set to expire after the season. They were able to sign Watt to their contract.
Watt was not able to attend every practice. However, he did participate in training camp as the two sides worked out the big payday. Watt instead worked with strength and conditioning coaches at Heinz Field on his own during team periods.
Keith Butler, defensive coordinator, stated that everyone knows T.J. Everyone knows that he is a great teammate. He is eager to get out there. Although he wants to go out, there are some things that you have to do. This is a business. It's a game that we all love, but it's actually a business.
Watt returned to practice on Wednesday after he was forced to hold-in during the preseason. Before taking their first snap, Watt greeted his teammates with celebratory fist bumps.
Joe Schobert, an inside linebacker who played with Watt at Wisconsin, said that TJ is a professional. "I trained with him during the off-season back at Waukesha [Wisconsin]. He takes his job very seriously. He takes the job very seriously. Place him anywhere you like. He will be available to play football.
Tomlin and Butler expressed optimism about Watt's participation in Sunday's season opener, speaking to the media prior to Watt's extension.
Watt, along with the rest of his team, will be almost certain to make his debut against the Buffalo Bills as the NFL's highest-paid defensive player.
