Full Breakdown
T.J. Watt’s $123 Million Extension Labeled One of NFL’s Worst Contracts
6/14/2026, 1:05:10 PM
Core Details of the Extension
Linebacker T.J. Watt signed a three-year extension worth $123 million, including $108 million guaranteed, with the Pittsburgh Steelers ahead of the 2025 season. The deal makes him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history and locks him in through the 2027 campaign.
Career Context and Contract Background
Since being selected in the first round of the 2017 draft, Watt has earned eight Pro Bowl selections, four First-Team All-Pro honors, a Defensive Player of the Year award, 115 career sacks, 36 forced fumbles and nine interceptions. At the time of the extension, he was widely regarded as the face of the Steelers’ defense.
Production Data and Financial Figures
Watt’s sack totals have declined sharply: 19 sacks in 2023, 11.5 in 2024 and seven in 2025—the lowest full-season total since his rookie year. Analyst Brad Gagnon notes that, even if the Steelers part ways after 2027, the contract would cost $94 million in salary and dead-cap charges for only two seasons of play.
Criticism of the Deal
Bleacher Report analyst Brad Gagnon ranked the extension No. 5 on his list of the ten worst current NFL contracts. He cited Watt’s advancing age (31 years) and the rapid drop in sack production as primary concerns, arguing that the high guaranteed amount creates a significant financial risk for Pittsburgh.
Counterpoint: Potential for a Bounce-Back
Steelers beat writer Ray Fittipaldo challenged the criticism, suggesting Watt could rebound in 2026. He highlighted the arrival of defensive coordinator Patrick Graham and the possibility that Watt may be asked to “drop more” or “align in different spots,” which could enable a 12-15 sack season.
Broader Implications for the Steelers
The contract’s $100 million-plus guaranteed component limits the Steelers’ salary-cap flexibility, influencing decisions on other defensive acquisitions. The team’s ability to retain a high-performing pass rusher at this cost will affect its overall roster strategy through the 2027 season.
Conflicting Views and Information Gaps
Gagnon’s analysis emphasizes decline and financial exposure, while Fittipaldo projects a resurgence under a new defensive scheme. No official statement from the Steelers organization is present in the sources, leaving the team’s internal assessment of Watt’s future role undocumented.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The 31-year-old’s sack numbers have plummeted from 19 in 2023 to 11.5 in 2024 to seven in 2025,” — Brad Gagnon, Bleacher Report analyst
- “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.” — Brad Gagnon, Bleacher Report analyst
- “I think he’s poised to have a bounce-back season,” — Ray Fittipaldo, Steelers beat writer
- “I think he can be a 12-15 sack guy again,” — Ray Fittipaldo, Steelers beat writer
- “He might have to drop more,” — Ray Fittipaldo, Steelers beat writer
- “He might have to align in different spots.” — Ray Fittipaldo, Steelers beat writer
Outlook for the 2026 Season
With Patrick Graham now directing the defense, the Steelers anticipate that strategic adjustments could restore Watt’s productivity. The extension remains in effect through 2027, and the franchise’s financial commitment ensures the player’s performance will be a focal point of the team’s 2026 planning.
