Steelers Make Browns Media Furious After Massive TJ Watt Extension: "Myles Garrett Has More Playoff Wins Than You"

The Pittsburgh Steelers finally got an extension done with their superstar pass rusher TJ Watt on Thursday, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. Watt agreed to a three-year, $123 million contract extension, with $108 million of that guaranteed. This marks the second time Watt has forced the Steelers to change their traditional approach to contract structure, especially when it comes to guaranteed money.

Watt not only got what he wanted, but he also made more than his AFC North rival, Cleveland Browns pass rusher Myles Garrett. Garrett had previously set the market for elite defensive players, but Watt’s deal now puts him ahead both in terms of guaranteed money and average annual value. That didn’t go over well in Cleveland, where comparisons between the two players have been a hot topic for years.

One Browns media member was especially furious. While speaking on 92.3 The Fan in Cleveland on Friday, Nick Wilson launched into a heated rant about Watt’s new contract. He claimed the Steelers had gone too far and suggested Watt doesn’t deserve more money than Garrett. The frustration sounded personal, and it was clear that seeing a Steeler top Garrett’s deal was just too much for some in Cleveland to handle.

"TJ getting $41 million per year average," Wilson said. "Good for you TJ. Who is a big man, TJ? Aren't you a big strong boy? Oh, don't you just feel like a bigger man today. Oh gosh TJ, you got one more million dollars a year than Myles Garrett. Oh gosh. Maybe you still stop throwing temper tantrums when you don't win every Defensive Player of the Year Award."

Watt hasn’t been shy about expressing subtle frustration when he feels wronged by the NFL. It takes a lot for him to speak out with anger, but when he does, he believes it is completely justified. That was the case following the announcement of the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year.

When Garrett won the award, many Steelers fans and Watt himself were left frustrated. Watt believed he had the better season, and the statistics supported his case. He led the league in sacks and delivered more impactful plays, which only added to the belief in Pittsburgh that he was overlooked.

"Maybe you won't cry as much when people point out that Myles Garrett, who has been to the playoffs twice in his career, has more playoff wins than you," Wilson said. "Maybe TJ, you won't cry so hard every time someone says anything nice about some other defensive player who just so happens to be a pass rusher in the NFL. I hope this completes you as a person TJ so that the rest of us don't have to hear you cry and whine."

Watt’s response was not loud or over-the-top, but it was clear. His comments and social media activity hinted at his disappointment. He never directly called out the decision, but his reaction showed he felt the recognition was unfairly given to someone else. In his eyes, the frustration was warranted.

Steelers' TJ Watt Simply Wanted Paid What He Felt He Deserved

Watt didn’t come out and publicly say he wanted to top Garrett’s massive $40 million per year deal, but that was something rumored behind closed doors. If Watt did want that number, he’s justified to feel that way because the production speaks for itself.

When you stack Garrett’s and Watt’s numbers side by side, the comparison is close, and the contracts they received seem fair. Still, it’s almost comical to see Browns media going after Watt so aggressively after his extension. Keep in mind, Garrett just requested a trade because he wanted to win, only to change his mind after the Browns offered him $40 million a year.

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