The Pittsburgh Steelers announced that Miles Garrett would be earning $40 million per season. TJ Watt, feeling he was on par with Garrett—both former NFL Defensive Player of the Year winners and Pro Football Hall of Famers—was upset that Garrett was making more money and pushed for a significant pay raise over the summer. Watt succeeded, reportedly securing a three-year, $123 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history with $108 million guaranteed, surpassing Garrett’s salary by $1 million per season.
The Steelers, caught in a tough position, had no choice but to meet Watt’s demands, as he is arguably the franchise’s best player and one of the greatest in team history. Watt had never publicly requested a trade but did express dissatisfaction in the media, enough to prompt the team into action. His previous four-year, $112 million deal looked modest compared to Garrett’s pay, and with Watt’s outstanding resume—including seven Pro Bowls, four first-team All-Pro selections, the 2021 Defensive Player of the Year award, and an NFL single-season sack record of 22.5—there was no argument against giving him a massive new contract.
This move contrasts with contract dramas faced by other teams such as the Cincinnati Bengals, who are dealing with unresolved deals for players like Trey Hendrickson and rookie Shemar Stewart. The Steelers, however, ensured Watt’s prime years will be spent in Pittsburgh, with plans for him to remain effective into his mid-30s and possibly follow a path like von Miller’s later in his career.
In the end, the only realistic scenario was for Watt to receive a substantial pay raise, securing his place as a cornerstone of the Steelers’ defense.
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Fan Take: This blockbuster contract highlights the shifting financial landscape in the NFL, especially for defensive stars, showing teams must aggressively invest in their top talent to stay competitive. For fans, it means defending champions like the Steelers are committed to keeping elite players, which could shape the league’s power dynamics for years to come.
