Steelers OLB T.J. Watt signs 4-year, $112M deal, becomes highest-paid Defensive Player
The Pittsburgh Steelers don’t like negotiating contracts during in-season play. Luckily, they don’t have to when it comes to All-Pro OLB T.J. Watt, as Watt agreed to a four-year, $112M deal ($80M guaranteed).
The hold-up was the guaranteed money after Year 1, which I talked extensively about for the past few days. However, that hurdle was cleared as Watt will be $80M richer while locking him up in Pittsburgh via the 2025 season.
Watt overruled his Agents
In a power-play move, Watt’s heart was set on Pittsburgh. It’s the agent’s job to do what’s right for the client. The agent thought Watt could get more guaranteed money and they are right. But Watt stormed into Steelers president Art Rooney II office and told him they had a deal, according to ESPN Adam Schefter.
The new deal makes him the highest-paid defensive player in terms of APY which stands for Annual Per Year-- coming in at $28M per year. That far exceeds Chicago Bears OLB Khalil Mack who reset the market in 2018--coming in at $23.5M APY.
However, in terms of guarantees, Mack holds the edge. He was guaranteed $90M. while Watt earns $80M.
I have to be honest, I wasn’t sure a deal was going to get done. I’m just glad it did, as Watt is the NFL’s No. 1 EDGE in my grading system.
Here WE Go!
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