T.J. Watt will undoubtedly go down as one of the greatest Pittsburgh Steelers of all time. The linebacker has been the heartbeat of the franchise’s defense for nearly a decade and, in July 2025, he secured the second contract extension of his career. This record-breaking deal made him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL.
T.J. Watt’s Contract History With Pittsburgh: How Much Is He Earning In 2025?
Watt was the Steelers’ first-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. At 23, he signed his rookie contract, a four-year deal worth $9.25 million, and quickly developed into a star in Pittsburgh while posting seven sacks in his first year.
Heading into the 2021 season, the ‘Sack King’ signed his first extension, a four-year deal worth $112 million, with $80 million guaranteed at signing. That year, his earnings were $36.59 million, which included a signing bonus of around $35 million, combined with base salary and roster bonuses.
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The remaining guaranteed money was spread across the 2022-24 seasons. By the end of 2024, Watt had earned $110.9 million in total career cash. Along the way, he also stacked up numerous accolades, including four All-Pro selections, seven Pro Bowls, and a Defensive Player of the Year award, which only strengthened the case for a record-breaking payday with the new contract.
What Is T.J. Watt’s Salary?
In July 2025, Watt signed a three-year, $123 million extension, averaging $41 million per year through 2027. This deal made him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL, surpassing the Cincinnati Bengals’ receiver Ja’Marr Chase, who had a $40.3 million annual average.
Under the new extension, Watt is set to make $44 million in 2025, bringing his career total to nearly $155 million when the season ends. If he plays out the full contract, his career earnings could reach an eye-popping $254.9 million by 2028.
What Is T.J. Watt’s Net Worth?
According to Forbes’ last estimate in 2022, Watt’s net worth is $37.6M, but it is expected to be much higher after his recent extension. In addition to his massive NFL earnings, he has partnered with several brands, which add to his increasing net worth.
Over the years, he’s also signed deals with Six Star Pro Nutrition, Capital One, GameBreaker Sports, and Panini. According to Forbes, his endorsements are worth over $1 million.
The offseason also saw the Steelers bolster their roster, acquiring DK Metcalf via trade and signing Aaron Rodgers in free agency. Watt, who will turn 31 in October, now has four years remaining on his contract after the extension, making it likely he will finish his career as a “one helmet guy,” as Cam Heyward described.
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Despite his individual dominance, Watt’s career with the Steelers has yet to include a Super Bowl appearance. Even after four playoff appearances, he and the team have been eliminated in their first postseason game each time.
With the franchise’s greatest defensive weapon back under contract, the question now is whether this is the year Pittsburgh snaps its six-game postseason losing streak.
Through Week 3 of the 2025 season, the Steelers are 2-1, with wins over the New York Jets and New England Patriots, but they lost to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 2. Watt has been productive in those games, recording 14 tackles (seven solo, seven assisted), four tackles for loss, one forced fumble, and one pass defended while playing 83% of the Steelers’ defensive snaps.
Next up, the Steelers will feature in their first international matchup in 12 years, facing the Minnesota Vikings at Dublin’s historic Croke Park. Kickoff is scheduled for Sunday, September 28, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. ET.
