T.J. Watt’s past performances put him in the position to get the NFL’s highest-ever payday for a non-quarterback, but the Pittsburgh Steelers wouldn’t have paid him that money if they didn’t see it continuing into the future. They have tied themselves to Watt through at least 2027 when the guarantees end, but the contract technically doesn’t end until 2028 with a roster bonus early in the offseason before his final contract year.
Watt’s two sacks over his final six games in 2024 raised concerns about finally starting to slow down his pace, but the Steelers clearly disagree based on how they paid him.