By JAKE NISSE

Published: 21:28 BST, 17 July 2025 | Updated: 21:41 BST, 17 July 2025

Steelers pass rusher TJ Watt has agreed to a massive new extension with the team - and become the league's highest-paid defender in the process.

Watt, 30, skipped OTAs and minicamp as he sought a new deal, and was even linked with a shock trade out of Pittsburgh.

However, the four-time All-Pro is going nowhere after signing a three-year, $123million deal with the team according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

The contract also includes $108 guaranteed.

Watt is set to earn just over $21million this season in the last year of his previous contract.

ESPN previously reported that a number of team held talks about whether they could trade for Watt, the 2021 Defensive Player of the Year.

Pass rusher TJ Watt has agreed a new deal to remain with the Pittsburgh Steelers

Watt's new contract is set to pay him an average of $41million - surpassing the $40million per year that Myles Garrett's new four-year, $160million deal will see him earn.

Since being drafted in 2017 out of Wisconsin, Watt has spent his entire career in Pittsburgh and established himself as one of the league's best pass rushers.

More to follow

Share or comment on this article: TJ Watt becomes NFL's highest-paid defensive player with huge $123m Steelers contract