T.J. Watt, the Pittsburgh Steelers' star outside linebacker, has secured his future with the team by signing a new three-year contract extension reportedly worth $123 million. The agreement, which has not yet been officially confirmed by the team, was first reported by ESPN and shared by the Associated Press through a source familiar with the deal.
© Ikea | Dreamstime
The extension makes Watt the highest-paid defender in NFL history, with an average annual salary of $41 million. This surpasses the previous record set by Cleveland Browns' defensive end Myles Garrett, the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
Watt, who had one year remaining on his 2021 contract extension, has consistently expressed his desire to remain a "one-helmet guy" with the Steelers. The deal will keep the perennial All-Pro in Pittsburgh well into his 30s.
Watt appeared to celebrate the news by posting a rare image on Instagram in his No. 90 jersey, alongside teammate Nick Herbig. His new contract also edges out the salary of Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase, who briefly held the record as the league's highest-paid non-quarterback.
Watt remains a cornerstone of the Steelers' defence and one of the league's most dominant players.
Source: www.msn.com