Before the 2025 season, the Pittsburgh Steelers rewarded T.J. Watt with a three-year, $123 million extension. Though some on the outside expressed doubts about extending an aging pass rusher, the Steelers never wavered in their commitment to one of their franchise cornerstones.
After a tough season that included a freak injury and a dip in production, some are looking even more harshly at Watt’s contract.
According to Bleacher Report, Watt’s contract ranks number five on their list of the top ten worst contracts in the NFL.
“The 31-year-old’s sack numbers have plummeted from 19 in 2023 to 11.5 in 2024 to seven in 2025,” Brad Gagnon wrote for Bleacher Report. “This was his first relatively full non-All-Pro season since 2018, indicating that a decline is well underway. Even if the Steelers move on after the 2027 campaign, Watt will have cost the team $94 million in salary and dead-cap charges for just two seasons of work.”
Having just extended Nick Herbig, and with Alex Highsmith’s contract on the books through 2027, the Steelers have a large financial commitment to their outside linebackers. In the wake of the Myles Garrett trade to the Los Angeles Rams, many have wondered what kind of haul Pittsburgh could demand by moving one of their pass rushers, but the Steelers remain as committed to Watt as ever from all indications.
Watt will be looking for a bounce-back season in 2026 and will get a fresh start under a new coaching staff. One potential change that could fuel hopes of a resurgence is Watt’s willingness to move around the defense after playing almost exclusively on the left side previously.
Highly-paid pass rushers are a common theme on Bleacher Report’s rankings of the worst contracts. San Francisco 49ers edge Nick Bosa ranks just above Watt at number four on the list, while Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders and the newly signed Trey Hendrickson of the Baltimore Ravens also appear on the list at number eight and seven, respectively.
Former Steelers tackle Dan Moore is ranked number three on the list after signing a four-year, $82 million contract with the Tennessee Titans just a year ago. Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, who many believe has the inside track to be named the starter, has the unfortunate distinction of being the number one ranked worst contract on the list.
If Watt can return to his normal self this season in terms of production, his price tag may end up being worth it for the Steelers, whose defense is built around pressuring the quarterback. Even with questions about his age and durability, Watt’s leadership and play against the run still make him a valuable member of the Steelers defense.
But, to truly get their money’s worth, Watt will need to get back to terrorizing quarterbacks in 2026.
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