Steelers’ Massive T.J. Watt Extension Draws Hilarious Reaction From J.J. Watt

The wait is finally over; superstar edge rusher T.J. Watt and the Pittsburgh Steelers finally came to terms on a record-breaking contract extension on July 17, and older brother J.J. Watt shared two immediate reactions on social media.

The first was very much the reaction of a proud older brother, as J.J. Watt wrote: “Earned. Deserved. Incredible. @_TJWatt. @steelers.”

But then came the more goofy and hilarious take on the reported three-year, $123 million deal.

After NFL on CBS noted that “sometimes being the younger brother pays off,” displaying T.J. Watt’s new extension next to J.J. Watt’s career earnings (12 years, $129.7 million), the older of the two commented jokingly: “I swear, if this guy even lets me begin to reach for my wallet at dinner…”

Obviously, the likely first-ballot Hall of Famer is ecstatic for his little brother’s latest accomplishment, but the graphic — and the response — do highlight just how much the NFL has grown as an industry. With TV ratings and reach at an all-time high, the star players are benefitting now more than ever.

T.J. Watt is the latest example of that, but he won’t be the last.

Steelers’ T.J. Watt Extension Makes Him Highest-Paid Non-Quarterback in Terms of Average Annual Salary

In all likelihood, the key to these negotiations was Watt becoming the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL in terms of average annual salary. As of July 17, the Steelers pass rusher is in sole possession of that honor.

ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter listed the updated top eight non-QB salaries on X, with Watt just above AFC North rivals Ja’Marr Chase and Myles Garrett.

That’s probably the sweetest part of all for Watt, who has never shied away from the much more personal edge rusher rivalry between him and Garrett.

Now, the Steelers great can rest easy knowing he makes just a little bit more than his Cleveland Browns counterpart.

Steelers ‘Squash Any Lingering Drama’ With Pre-Training Camp Extension, Says Reporter

ESPN Pittsburgh beat reporter Brooke Pryor followed up on the Watt extension in a July 17 article. Her key takeaway on this pre-training camp agreement:

“In doing the deal now, the Steelers squash any lingering drama around one of the team’s defensive cornerstones as they enter a critical preseason after overhauling their roster with moves that included signing [Aaron] Rodgers and trading for All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey and wide receiver DK Metcalf.

“The last time the Steelers made Watt the highest-paid non-quarterback in 2021 — with a four-year, $112 million deal that averaged $28 million per year — the two sides didn’t agree to a deal until days before the regular-season opener. Watt reported to training camp that year, but he mostly worked out off to the side during team periods.”

Pryor hit the nail right on the head here. The Steelers not only locked up their top defensive playmaker for the next four years (three-year extension plus the remaining year on Watt’s previous contract), but they also took the unnecessary drama out of the situation.

Pittsburgh is gearing up for one of its biggest win-now seasons in a long time, and there is absolutely no reason that they should begin that campaign with a high-profile holdout. By getting the deal done on July 17 rather than Labor Day Weekend, it allows the entire team to get dialed in for what will be an important training camp and preseason.