It’s official. The Steelers have re-signed Pro Bowl superstar linebacker T.J. Watt to a new five-year deal.
The huge $112 million deal comes with $80 million guaranteed along with a $35 million signing bonus and $60 million over the first two seasons.
Watt is now the highest paid defensive player in the NFL.
The contract will keep Watt in black and gold through 2025.
A Defensive Player of the Year candidate in 2020, Watt led the league in sacks with 15 and tackles for loss with 23.
Since being taken in the first round by the Steelers in 2017, Watt has 49.5 sacks, four interceptions, 25 passes defended, 17 forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, 111 quarterback hits and 230 total tackles.
After he put pen to paper, Watt sent out a message on social media to Steeler Nation.
“If it’s ok with Yinz, I’d like to stay a while!!”
It was also reported overruled his agents on Thursday, going into Steelers president Art Rooney’s office and telling him they had a deal done.
Watt’s agents believed they could have got more money, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Related
After the announcement Watt said he had to go to the weight room.