T.J. Watt receives historic $121 million contract projection amid standoff with Steelers

T.J. Watt's future with the Pittsburgh Steelers has never been more uncertain.

The superstar edge rusher is still in a contract dispute with the franchise just weeks away from training camp. Watt, who is set to enter free agency in 2026, skipped mandatory minicamp in June because of his contract status.

Due to negotiations not going well, Watt has been thrown into trade rumors over the last few weeks. Though Pittsburgh initially had no plans to trade their defensive cornerstone, Steelers insider Mark Kaboly stated that the team explored the trade market to see what Watt's value is at this stage of his career.

Whether he's with the Steelers or not, Watt is going to receive a historic extension. Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport predicts the seven-time Pro Bowler's new contract will be worth $121 million over three seasons, with $81 million guaranteed.

"It's still hard to imagine the Steelers trading Watt, but it can’t be ruled out. What isn’t up for debate is that someone is going to pay him—and when they do his deal will rival (or surpass) Myles Garrett’s $40 million a season," Davenport wrote.

Watt wants to be the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL. That title is currently held by All-Pro receiver Ja'Marr Chase, who is set to make $40.25 million annually on a four-year, $161 million extension he signed with the Cincinnati Bengals in March.

Additionally, Watt also wants a deal worth more than what fellow superstar edge rusher Myles Garrett received from the Cleveland Browns. Garrett signed a four-year extension worth $160 million with $123 million guaranteed in March.

Davenport's three-year, $121 million projected contract for Watt would make him the highest-paid non-quarterback in football on a yearly basis. However, the 30-year-old could want a four-year deal like Chase and Garrett, which Pittsburgh could be hesitant to give him based on his age and slight decline in 2024.

Nevertheless, Watt deserves another lucrative contract, and he is going to get it no matter what.

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