Former Wisconsin football star linebacker now highest-paid non-QB in NFL history
The three-year extension is worth $123 million, with $108 million fully guaranteed. ESPN's Adam Schefter was the first to report the news, noting that the deal makes Watt the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.
Watt enters his age-31 season in 2025. Unlike many at the position, his age-30 season in 2024 didn't lead to a noticeable drop in production. The former Badger played in all 17 games, totaling 61 tackles, 11 1/2 sacks, 27 quarterback hits, a league-best six forced fumbles and four pass deflections.
The former Wisconsin star's resume, now eight full years into his professional career, includes three sack titles (2020, 2021, 2023), four First-Team All-Pro nods (2019-21, 2023), one Defensive Player of the Year Award (2021), 108 career sacks, 126 tackles for loss, 33 forced fumbles and 225 quarterback hits.
Watt originally signed a four-year, $112 million contract with the Steelers after his rookie contract concluded in 2021. That contract ran through the 2025 season, though the star pass-rusher had expressed his desire to get a new deal done before the deal's final year began.
He has done exactly that and made some NFL history in the process.
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