T.J. Watt just made several top-tier pass rushers extremely happy with his new deal. The four-time First-Team All-Pro defensive end agreed to a three-year, $123 million extension with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. Watt will average $41 million annually, topping Myles Garrett by $1 million after he set the record earlier this summer. With Watt resetting the market for premier defensive ends, here are five pass rushers who will benefit from that deal.
Micah Parsons
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Micah Parsons
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With Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones dragging his feet on giving Micah Parsons an extension, it just got more expensive thanks to Watt’s new deal. Parsons appears to be getting annoyed by how long it’s taking to get done, recently telling the “Six Feet Under” podcast that ownership is making it “more complicated than it has to be.” Jones did the same thing with Dak Prescott, eventually signing the quarterback for four years and $240 million with $231 million guaranteed. Parsons has made the Pro Bowl in each of his first four seasons, is a two-time All-Pro, was named Defensive Rookie of the Year and already has 52.5 sacks in his career. Jones is going to have to exceed Watt’s contract at this point to keep Parsons in Dallas.
Aidan Hutchinson
Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson
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Aidan Hutchinson’s 2024 season was cut short after five games when the Detroit Lions star went down with a torn ACL. In those five games, he already had 7.5 sacks. The second-overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft has helped turn Detroit’s franchise around. Once considered a laughingstock, the Lions have emerged as one of the top teams in the NFL, thanks in part to Hutchinson. He has 28.5 sacks in 39 career games and even though he has two years left on his rookie contract, the Lions will want to lock him up long-term and it will cost at least $40 million annually to do so. The good news for Detroit is Hutchinson will be back healthy for the 2025 season.
Trey Hendrickson
Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson
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Trey Hendrickson has been in a contract standoff with the Cincinnati Bengals as he enters the final year of his deal that pays him $16 million. Thanks to Watt’s new deal, Hendrickson has gained leverage in negotiations. Hendrickson is coming off back-to-back 17.5-sack seasons and was named All-Pro for the first time in his career. In fact, Hendrickson has more sacks than Watt over the last two seasons — 35 to 30.5. The Bengals don’t appear to want to trade Hendrickson and with drama surrounding the contract stalemate with first-round pick Shemar Stewart, it would benefit Cincinnati to get a deal done with the four-time Pro Bowler.
Will Anderson Jr.
Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr.
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The Houston Texans selected Will Anderson Jr. with the third-overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and all he has done is become one of the top young defensive ends in the league. He was named Defensive Rookie of the Year and has recorded 18 sacks in his first two years in the NFL. According to Pro Football Focus, Anderson was the 10th-highest rated defensive end in football in 2024. He still has two years left on his rookie contract, but extension talks will soon be looming, and since he’s only 23, it wouldn’t be surprising if he surpasses Watt’s contract.
Jared Verse
Los Angeles Rams defensive end Jared Verse
Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Jared Verse’s numbers in his first year might not immediately stand out — just 4.5 sacks — but the reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year finished ninth in Pro Football Focus’ pass rush grade at 85.5. On top of that, the Los Angeles Rams defensive end was credited with 24 incompletions and three interceptions created, and had the fourth-highest double-team rate at 23.3%. The players ahead of him: Parsons, Garrett and Maxx Crosby. Verse is an athletic and powerful presence at his position and if he keeps up his production, he will be getting paid in the next few years.
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