T.J. Watt Reportedly Agrees to $123M Steelers Contract Extension, Makes NFL History

T.J. Watt is still on track to retire as a Pittsburgh Steeler.

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the seven-time Pro Bowler inked a three-year, $123 million deal to stay in Pittsburgh on Thursday, with the $41 million per year average being the highest in NFL history for a non-quarterback.

Watt's previous four-year, $112 million deal was set to expire after the 2025 campaign.

That contract set a record for defensive players in 2021. This offseason, it was Maxx Crosby and Myles Garrett who reset the market before Watt signed.

After Watt tied the NFL single-season record with 22.5 sacks in 2021, there was some concern he would take a step back after injuries to his pectoral muscle, knee and ribs derailed his 2022 season.

Watt has not missed a regular-season game since. He led the NFL in sacks again in 2023, although he was sidelined by a sprained MCL for the Steelers' playoff loss.

He returned to put up 11.5 sacks last season while pacing the league with six forced fumbles.

Despite having Watt available for the playoffs, however, the Steelers still suffered a second straight Wild Card exit.

The Steelers will now bring back their most reliable defender while looking to snap an eight-year streak of winless postseasons. Pittsburgh last won a playoff game following the 2016 campaign, months before selecting Watt in the first round of the 2017 draft.

Watt's brother, J.J. Watt, was 33 years old when he retired in 2022. Watt said last June he won't know when he wants to retire "until that moment comes," per The Athletic's Mark Kaboly.

It's clear the edge rusher has a major goal still to accomplish in his NFL career. Watt indicated last June, and again before the Steelers' elimination by the Baltimore Ravens in January, the importance of recording his first postseason win.

Watt's willingness to re-sign in Pittsburgh could be seen as an indication he believes this team is on track to win a playoff game in the near future.