Since his game usually speaks for itself, T.J. Watt has never been one to chase attention. But as the Steelers edge rusher enters the final year of his current deal, everyone is watching him for more than just his on-field performance.
T.J. Watt Poised to Break Myles Garrett’s Contract With Potential Extension
Watt may be about to sign a contract that completely upends the EDGE market, possibly surpassing the massive $160 million deal recently signed by Cleveland’s Myles Garrett, according to NFL insider James Palmer.
“I’m hearing there’s a chance that Watt gets past 40, which is something we’re really keeping an eye on,” Palmer said this week. “He has every right to ask for it. I’ve talked a lot about the comparisons between him and Myles Garrett. The numbers are almost identical in every aspect.”
While the numbers are close, Watt’s résumé arguably gives him the edge over Garrett in some key areas.
Watt has been a steady force on Pittsburgh’s defense and a nightmare for quarterbacks since entering the NFL in 2017. Over 121 games, he has recorded 108 sacks, 462 tackles, 33 forced fumbles, and seven interceptions. In 2021, he tied the NFL’s single-season sack record with 22.5 and won Defensive Player of the Year.
In 117 career games, Myles Garrett, who was also selected in the 2017 NFL Draft, has recorded 102.5 sacks, 352 tackles, and 20 forced fumbles. He’s a dominant pass rusher in his own right, but Watt leads in sacks, tackles, and takeaways, numbers that give him a strong case to demand top dollar.
As Steelers Chase a Title, Watt’s Future Pressures the Front Office
Watt’s absence from this offseason’s required minicamp added more tension to the situation. It’s clear that fans are starting to worry as contract talks pick up. Watt isn’t just any player; he’s the anchor of Pittsburgh’s defense and a leader across the league. With training camp underway, the pressure on the front office to get a deal done is rising.
With DK Metcalf joining the receiving corps and Aaron Rodgers at quarterback, the Steelers are already making a strong push this season. But locking up Watt long term could be just as important as any move on offense.
A player like Watt rarely reaches a contract standoff in his prime. If the Steelers can meet his price, they won’t just be rewarding one of the league’s best defenders. They’ll be setting the new standard for edge rushers across the NFL. If they can’t, the bidding war for Watt will almost certainly break records.