Steelers: T.J. Watt told his agent to buzz off and got a deal done himself
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt was so eager to get his contract extension done, he overruled his agents who thought they could get him more money.
T.J. Watt just became the highest-paid defensive player in the NFL by taking less money.
Seriously, the Steelers linebacker apparently forced through a deal despite the potential for an even bigger one.
“Steelers’ OLB T.J. Watt overruled his agents who believed they could get more money today, marched into the office of Steelers president Art Rooney and told him they had a deal. Then the NFL’s new highest-paid defensive player excused himself and announced he had to go work out,” Adam Schefter tweeted.
Watt agreed to a four-year extension worth $112 million according to reports.
T.J. Watt wanted his contract extension with the Steelers done
The image of Watt marching into Art Rooney’s office is just great.
People can debate over whether the Steelers overpaid or if Watt left money on the table, but getting a deal done before the season was clearly important to him. He gets to go into Sunday’s battle with the Bills knowing his future is secured.
Pittsburgh used the 30th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft to select Watt out of Wisconsin. He lived up to his pedigree almost immediately, starting 15 games as a rookie. He’s now put together three consecutive Pro Bowl seasons and two straight All-Pro campaigns. He’s set up to contend for the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year honors after posting a career-high 15 sacks last season.
At 26 years old, he’s only just hit his prime, which Steelers fans can now plan to enjoy.