The NFL has had a number of record-setting contracts signed this offseason. On Thursday, another one topped the list. The Pittsburgh Steelers and star edge rusher T.J. Watt have been engaged in tense contract talks throughout the offseason, but those have officially concluded, according to one prominent league insider.
“ESPN sources: Steelers star TJ Watt has become the highest-paid non-QB in NFL history for the second time in his illustrious career, reaching agreement today on a three-year, $123 million extension that includes $108M fully guaranteed at signing.
“The $41 million per year average is the highest of any non-quarterback in NFL history. The deal has been in the works between CAA Sports and the Steelers front office for months,” reported ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Fans reacted to the news on social media.
“He totally still has it. But for these three years?” one particularly skeptical fan wrote on Twitter.
“Not hating on his contract, but man, these record breaking contracts are hitting us season ticket holders on the price of tickets. each year they’re up, and the value of tickets are nowhere near it,” one fan added.
“108 million at signing was the smartest move out of the contract , here’s all you’re money for the next three years up front so it don’t touch the cap in the future,” someone else added.
It’ll be interesting to see how the contract pans out for the Steelers over the years.
About Qwame Skinner
Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. In addition to his sports coverage at Comeback Media, Qwame writes novels, and his debut; The First Casualty, an adult fantasy, is out now.