On Thursday, the Pittsburgh Steelers agreed to terms with T.J. on a historic three-year, $123 million extension that made him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history with a $41 million AAV. It surpassed wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase of the Cincinnati Bengals ($40.25 million) and rival Cleveland Browns pass rusher Myles Garrett ($40 million).

Watt, 30, had 11.5 sacks a season ago and dealt with multiple injuries that cooled him off down the stretch. Before the injuries, Watt was the odds-on favorite to win the 2024 Defensive Player of the Year Award, which would have been his second in a storied career.