Steelers, T.J. Watt Near Record-Setting Contract Surpassing Garrett

The Pittsburgh Steelers are expected to negotiate a new contract with star edge rusher T.J. Watt, who may surpass the $40 million per year average annual salary recently secured by Cleveland Browns' Myles Garrett, potentially making Watt the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history. Watt, entering the final year of his current $112 million extension, has a resume comparable or superior to Garrett’s, including leading the league in sacks three times and tying the single-season sack record. Multiple sources, including NFL insider James Palmer, highlight Watt's right to seek a deal exceeding Garrett’s $160 million four-year contract, which includes $40 million per season with $123 million guaranteed. Watt's absence from Steelers' mandatory minicamp underscores the ongoing tension in negotiations, although there remains strong confidence from the Steelers' side that a deal will be reached before the season starts. Given Watt’s sustained elite performance and leadership role, the Steelers view locking him up long-term as a critical investment for their defense’s future. The potential contract would significantly impact the edge rusher market and reinforce Watt as a cornerstone of Pittsburgh’s team.