T.J. Watt spent much of the offseason in a stalemate with the Pittsburgh Steelers as he searched for a new contract. The 2021 Defensive Player of the Year was set to enter the final year of his four-year, $112 million contract extension and was looking for a new deal that reflected the current market.
The standoff between the two sides ended on Thursday as the 30th pick in the 2017 NFL Draft agreed to a three-year, $123 million contract extension, including $108 million in guarantees. Watt’s older brother, J.J. Watt, shared his reaction to the historic deal.
J.J. Watt Reacts to His Brother T.J. Watt’s Historic Extension With Steelers
The younger Watt brother has reset the pass rusher market as his new deal will pay him $41 million per season, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. His older brother, J.J., took to X to share his reaction to the deal, tweeting:
“Earned. Deserved. Incredible. @_TJWatt @steelers”
Earned.
Deserved.
Incredible. @_TJWatt @steelers— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) July 17, 2025
The three-time Defensive Player of the Year followed his initial tweet up by quote-tweeting an image from NFL on CBS that compared his 12-year career earnings: $129.7 million, to his brother’s new deal, adding:
“I swear, if this guy even lets me begin to reach for my wallet at dinner…”
I swear, if this guy even lets me begin to reach for my wallet at dinner… https://t.co/R52TsWBgYP
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) July 17, 2025
Watt has been an anchor on the Steelers’ defense over the past eight seasons, as it has consistently been one of the best units in the NFL. He has recorded 462 total tackles, 331 solo tackles, 126 tackles for loss, 108.0 sacks, 225 quarterback hits, seven interceptions, 33 forced fumbles, 12 fumble recoveries, 49 passes defended, and one defensive touchdown.
His 108.0 sacks over that span are the most in the NFL. Cleveland Browns pass rusher Myles Garrett, who has recorded 102.5 sacks, is the only player with more than 83.0 sacks over the past eight seasons. Watt has led the league in sacks three times, with a career high of 22.5 in 2021. In addition to being named 2021 Defensive Player of the Year, he has been named an All-Pro six times while earning seven Pro Bowl nods.
Pittsburgh hopes for a resurgence in 2025 after making one of the biggest moves of the offseason by signing future Pro Football Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers. Ensuring that Watt is back in the fold is pivotal for the franchise as it looks to win its first postseason game since 2016.
