J.J. Watt was critical of the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason for not giving his brother T.J. Watt an extension sooner, but in the end, T.J. got a three-year, $123 million extension that includes $108 million fully guaranteed at signing.
Watt, who will average $41 million per year, once again tops Cleveland Browns’ edge rusher Myles Garrett as the highest-paid non-QB. Garrett was just made the highest paid non-quarterback in NFL history earlier this offseason.
“I’m happy for him. He’s excited, extremely excited,” J.J. Watt said on The Pat McAfee Show on Monday. “It’s a very rare thing in today’s NFL (to play with one team), so it’s really special. He’s earned it. He deserves it, and couldn’t be more proud of him.”
Pat McAfee mentioned how jacked T.J. Watt looked in a recent photo with fellow Steelers outside linebacker Nick Herbig. J.J. said his brother has put a ton of work in this offseason.
“He is in a great spot,” J.J. Watt said. “I know he feels extremely good. He has been training his butt off. He’s really excited about camp. He’s looking forward to being back with the boys. It’s going to be great.”
While some analysts, like Nick Wright and Colin Cowherd, ripped the Steelers’ decision to give T.J. Watt a three-year, $123 million extension that includes $108 million fully guaranteed at signing. Former Steelers free safety and current ESPN analyst Ryan Clark praised the organization for giving Watt what he rightfully deserves.
“You did what you were supposed to do, by giving T.J. Watt what he’s earned, and what he has the potential to produce on the field for you,” Clark said, via NFL Live on ESPN. “…Man, you had to do this. T.J. Watt earned this contract. You’re taking care of all these people that aren’t lifelong Pittsburgh Steelers. You’re going to get this sort of production from T.J. Watt this year, next year, and the year after. As long as he’s healthy and he’s on the field, you know what he produces. You also know the way this equates to wins for this team.”
No player has recorded more sacks over the last five seasons than Watt, who has 73.5 during that span. In one-score games since 2021, Watt ranks first in sacks (43), forced fumbles (12) and batted passes (14), according to Pro Football Focus.
The former NFL Defensive Player of the Year, four-time first-team All-Pro and seven-time Pro Bowler has recorded 462 tackles, 108 sacks, 33 forced fumbles, 12 fumble recoveries, seven interceptions and 50 passes defended in his NFL career.
