The Pittsburgh Steelers have kept with their puzzling offseason moves, this time paying T.J. Watt over $40 million per year. If nothing else, Steelers' GM Omar Khan is absolutely going all-in, and sometimes it does work out. The LA Rams, four seasons ago, assembled a sort-of NFL superteam and ended up winning the Super Bowl.
The Steelers seem to be trying some variation of that with their mountain of bold moves this offseason. Their recent extension for TJ Watt is just the latest example of a move that isn't a slam-dunk good decision, so there is absolutely a chance that this blows up in their faces.
And when you consider everything, the Steelers' mega-deal for T.J. Watt was a mega-mistake.
The Pittsburgh Steelers made a mistake extending EDGE T.J. Watt
The deal pays Watt an average of $41 million per year, which does 'officially' make him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the history of the NFL:
ESPN sources: Steelers star TJ Watt has become the highest-paid non-QB in NFL history for the second time in his illustrious career, reaching agreement today on a three-year, $123 million extension that includes $108M fully guaranteed at signing. The $41 million per year average… pic.twitter.com/si6V7FUdlp
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 17, 2025
Watt, now entering his age-31 season in the NFL, is an all-time great pass rusher. His individual statistics are almost impossible to believe. In 121 regular-season games, Watt has amassed 108 sacks, 462 total tackles, 126 tackles for loss, and a whopping 225 QB hits.
He's also made seven Pro Bowls and been named to four All-Pro teams as well. The one-time Defensive Player of the Year could retire now and be a shoo-in for the Hall of Fame. However, this deal by the Steelers is clearly them rewarding Watt for what he did for them, rather than what he'll do for them in the future.
T.J. Watt is entering his age-31 season, so age is absolutely a concern, and besides his 10-game 2022 season, Watt's 11.5 sacks in 2024 were the lowest since his rookie season. His 27 QB hits were also the lowest since his 2018 season, his second in the NFL. Furthermore, the veteran rusher played 938 defensive snaps in 2024, which was the highest total of his entire career.
Being that Watt just got this massive deal, he's going to be expected to stay on the field as much as he has and still maintain an elite level of production, but as I just outlined for you, his production is falling off. There is a possibility that Watt takes another step back in 2025 as he plays in his age-31 campaign.
I am not disputing how great he has been in the NFL for almost a decade, but the deal signed was a financial mistake by GM Omar Khan, as the pass rusher is only getting worse and is likely going to endure another regression in 2025.
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