Steelers' T.J. Watt Reportedly Wants to Be NFL's Highest-Paid Non-QB in Next Contract

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been in the headlines lately after they traded safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Miami Dolphins and landed cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith, but there is still a major decision looming over the franchise.

Star pass-rusher T.J. Watt is entering the final season of his contract and will surely be looking for a new deal.

During an appearance on the Rich Eisen Show (5:20 mark), the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Gerry Dulac reported the recent acquisitions have "nothing to do with any negotiations with T.J. Watt" even though there is a looming "stalemate" regarding the situation.

"The stalemate is going to be that T.J. Watt wants to be the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league," Dulac reported. "And the Steelers are looking at it that he's age 31. In order to accommodate any kind of large contract, it can't be a three-year deal, it has to be a five-year deal because you need to spread the money out.

"... It's not a smart business decision for the Steelers, and they know it."

In March, the Cleveland Browns made Myles Garrett the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history with a deal that paid him an average-annual value of $40 million. That was a notable deal in the context of Watt, as they both play the same position in the same division at a high level.

Yet the Cincinnati Bengals then made wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league later this offseason at a $40.25 million average annual value, so Watt may have a new goal.

While Watt was less effective in 2024 with 11.5 sacks than when he led the league with 19 in 2023, he still posted an NFL-best six forced fumbles and appeared in all 17 games. He made his seventh consecutive Pro Bowl and added to a resume that also includes a Defensive Player of the Year and four First-Team All-Pro selections.

If the Steelers are going to pay Watt based on past production, then making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league would be an easy selection.

But Pittsburgh surely wants to find a balance, especially since it is fair to assume there could be a slight drop in production as his career continues after he turns 31 in October. 

Dulac made it clear the Steelers still believe they are going to sign Watt, but it might not be a straightforward negotiation.