Pittsburgh, Pa. (93.7 the Fan) - It was officially announced on Friday that All-Pro pass rusher T.J. Watt has signed a new five-year contract extension to remain with the Pittsburgh Steelers for the long-term.
As the hours passed since the new deal was originally reported, fans and teammates congratulated Watt, who now becomes the highest-paid defender in the National Football League.
According to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, Watt signed the deal himself, overruling his agents who believed he could get more money.
The story goes that Watt stormed into Art Rooney’s office, told the legendary owner they have a deal, and stormed out going straight to the weight room.
An absolute power move by Watt.
Perhaps it was Watt’s agents causing the delay of the signing; They believed he could get more money. How much higher could they have thought? Watt’s new contract with the Steelers has been reported to guarantee the 26-year-old $80 million.
The deal was originally reported as a four-year deal on Thursday worth $112 million.
The former first round pick (30th overall) of the Steelers in the 2017 NFL Draft has started all 62 games he's played in his NFL career, registering 49.5 sacks, 230 tackles, 25 defended passes, 17 forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries and four interceptions.
Watt will look to continue to build upon his early success in the NFL this Sunday when the Steelers take on the Buffalo Bills at 1 p.m. ET at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park.
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