A former Wisconsin Badgers star hit the record books on Thursday, as Pittsburgh Steelers pass rusher T.J. Watt signed a three-year, $123 million deal that includes $108 million fully guaranteed at signing.
In signing the extension, Watt is the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history, eclipsing the four-year, $160 million deal that Myles Garrett signed with the Cleveland Browns earlier this offseason.
Watt had been holding out this offseason in search of a new deal, with the expectation being that he’d surpass Garrett’s massive extension whenever that came about.
Watt has been a star since entering the NFL and has led the league in sacks (73.5) since 2020, while recording the second-most tackles for loss (56).
There have been several record-breaking non-quarterback contracts this offseason. Garrett had initially signed his deal worth $40 million annually. Then, Cincinnati Bengals star wide receiver JaMarr Chase was extended on a four-year, $161 million deal, raising the bar to $40.25 million annually.
Watt will now earn $41 million annually, but the fully guaranteed figure of $108 million is astounding, meaning he’ll likely get three fully guaranteed years of the four total on his current deal.
Previously, the largest figure for guarantees at signing was $88 million for an edge rusher was San Francisco 49ers star Nick Bosa. Watt eclipses that figure and is now signed through the 2028 season in Pittsburgh.