The Pittsburgh Steelers star has been one of the best defensive players in the sport since he arrived on the scene. On July 17, the team ensured that will remain the case by signing the four-time All-Pro to a three-year, $123 million extension with $108 million guaranteed to make him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.
It wasn’t an easy road to this point, however.
Watt had been the subject of trade rumors as both sides failed to reach an agreement. For a player who seemed destined to play for one team during his career, it started to look like a possibility that Watt would have to make another NFL city his home going forward.
Naturally this new deal will end that speculation as the 2021 Defensive Player of the Year remains in the Steel City.
The 30-year-old has made $110.9 million throughout his career to this point, according to Spotrac. It’s a figure that will rise dramatically by the end of this extension.
More important, it continues a trend of defensive players earning big paydays this offseason. Myles Garrett and Maxx Crosby took turns breaking the record for highest paid non-quarterbacks in league history earlier this year. Danielle Hunter also etched his name onto the highest-paid defenders list, checking in between those two.
Watt was next in line and now he’s leading it. Here’s a look at the new highest-paid defensive players list.
NFL highest paid defensive players
Here’s a look at the top-10 highest paid defensive players in terms of average annual value, according to Spotrac.
T.J. Watt, Pittsburgh Steelers: $41 million
Myles Garrett, Cleveland Browns: $40 million
Danielle Hunter, Houston Texans: $35.6 million
Maxx Crosby, Las Vegas Raiders: $35.5. million
Nick Bosa, San Francisco 49ers: $34 million
Chris Jones, Kansas City Chiefs: $31.75 million
Sauce Gardner, New York Jets: $30.1 million
Derek Stingley Jr., Houston Texans: $30 million
Josh Hines-Allen, Jacksonville Jaguars: $28.25 million
Brian Burns, New York Giants: $28.2 million