Steelers T.J. Watt Signs Five-Year Contract Extension

PITTSBURGH, PA — Calm yourselves now, Steelers fans. Star linebacker T.J. Watt will be with the team for another five years after signing a contract extension Friday following a trepidation-filled training camp that had fans wondering about his long-term future in Pittsburgh.

The $112 million contract makes Watt the NFL's highest paid defensive player. The Steelers have guaranteed $80 million, the most guaranteed money in team history.

According to reports, Watt's agents believed he could get more money, but he evidently was anxious to settle negotiations before the Steelers open the season Sunday against the Buffalo Bills.

Watt, the team's first-round selection in the 2017 NFL draft, was voted the Steelers most valuable player the last two seasons.

According to the Steelers, he has started all 62 games he has played in. He has 49.5 sacks, the most in franchise history over a player's first four seasons. His 49.5 sacks rank third among all defensive players since he entered the NFL. He also has 230 tackles (168 solo), 25 pass defenses, 17 forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries and four interceptions.

Last year, he was selected first-team Associated Press All-Pro, elected to the Pro Bowl, was voted 101 Awards AFC Defensive Player of the Year and won the Deacon Jones Award. Watt led the NFL in sacks with a career-high 15, quarterback hits with 41 and tackles for a loss with 23, while
adding seven pass defenses, two forced fumbles and an interception.

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