The Pittsburgh Steelers are deep in talks with outside linebacker T.J. Watt, but with the big money being thrown around, there is no guarantee that the deal will happen anytime soon.
Bleacher Report’s NFL insider James Palmer says he is hearing that Watt could land more than the Cleveland Browns paid Myles Garrett, which was $40 million per year. If that happens, Watt would land a new record-breaking deal.
“I’m hearing there’s a chance Watt gets past $40 [million per season],” Palmer said on “NFL Insider Notebook.” “He has every right to ask for it. I’ve talked on here a lot about the comparisons between him and Myles Garrett. The numbers are almost identical in every aspect in terms of superlatives and in terms of numbers, and they came in the same draft class. I mean, he has every right to try to get that.”
Garrett’s $40 million per year already sets a high bar for the Pittsburgh Steelers to meet when it comes to the next extension for Watt. Detroit’s Aidan Hutchinson could top that number, driving the asking price for Watt’s annual gross average and potentially guaranteed money up even more.
The 30-year-old edge rusher remains one of the NFL’s elites. At the annual league meetings last week, general manager Omar Khan said the team hopes to see Watt finish his career with the Steelers.
“I’m not going to get into the contract numbers, but if you’re referring to T.J. [Watt], I assume, I’ll just say that I’m very hopeful that T.J. will finish his career as a Steeler,” Khan said.
He had just 11.5 sacks this past year and dealt with multiple injuries throughout the season. Following the season, Watt noted he wanted to stay with the Steelers.