Steelers' TJ Watt Gets Enthusiastic Reaction From JJ Watt Regarding Massive Contract Extension (Steelers News)
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Steelers' TJ Watt Gets Enthusiastic Reaction From JJ Watt Regarding Massive Contract Extension

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The Pittsburgh Steelers have officially extended star edge rusher TJ Watt with a long-awaited contract extension, ending a time of uncertainty that had many fans feeling anxious. Fans have not been shy about their desire to see Watt locked in for the future with the Steelers, and they delivered, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. This deal not only cements Watt’s place as a key part of the Steelers' defense for the coming years, but also is a significant moment for the franchise, making history.

Steelers' TJ Watt

Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers

Steelers' TJ Watt after a play against the Chiefs in Week 17 of the 2024 season.

This move has started major buzz across the league, with everyone reacting to the historic deal. Recently, TJ’s brother, JJ Watt, appeared on The Pat McAfee Show to share his thoughts on the extension. During the interview, JJ expressed immense pride in his brother and spoke about how excited TJ is to continue his future with the Steelers.

"He’s excited. He’s extremely excited," JJ Watt said. "It’s a very rare thing in the NFL, so it’s really special. He’s earned it. He deserves it."

The last time TJ signed an extension with the Steelers, it came right before the start of the 2021 regular season, leading many to believe that a new deal this time around might not come until later. Having skipped all offseason programs so far due to the ongoing negotiations at the time, TJ now appears ready to rejoin his teammates. During JJ's appearance, he mentioned that TJ is locked in, working hard, and fully prepared to hit the ground running at training camp that's rapidly approaching.

"He’s in a great spot," JJ continued. "I know he feels extremely good…He’s really excited about camp. He’s looking forward to being back with the boys. It’s going to be great."

During the appearance, the entire cast commented on how great TJ looked when a photo of him popped up on screen, highlighting that even without a deal in place, he had clearly been putting in the work. It had even been reported that both sides shared mutual interest in getting a deal done, but negotiations ultimately came down to money. While the majority of fans are thrilled about the extension, there are still some who remain cautious and still have concerns.

Steelers' TJ Watt

Barry Reeger / Imagn Images

Steelers' TJ Watt running drills on the sidelines before a game.

While TJ is undoubtedly still playing at an elite level, much of the concern surrounding his extension stemmed from his age. At 30 years of age, he’s not necessarily "old," but given the physical demands of the NFL, it's a factor teams have to consider, especially when committing to a long-term deal. The Steelers had the financial flexibility to get the deal done, making Watt the highest-paid player on the team. 

Still, the size and length of the contract raised eyebrows, as some felt it was more reflective of past accomplishments than future projections. However, in the end, it’s a bet the Steelers clearly felt confident taking. It's also a bet many Steelers fans are excited about.


Steelers Have Completed An Outstanding 2025 Offseason

The Steelers have dealt with a variety of storylines this offseason, but it seems like many of those loose ends are finally being resolved. This only adds to the anticipation surrounding training camp and the chance to see how this new roster comes together. On paper, the team looks significantly improved, with moves at key positions influencing others across the board. And now, with TJ officially locked in, it feels like all the pieces are finally in place.

Steelers' TJ Watt

Joe Sargent / Getty Images

Steelers superstar edge rusher TJ Watt lets out a thunderous roar after delivering a game-changing play against the Cleveland Browns, igniting the crowd and fueling Pittsburgh’s defensive momentum.

As a result, all eyes are now on the Steelers to see whether this combination of veteran leadership with young, promising talent can deliver real success this season. While Pittsburgh has remained a consistent playoff contender in recent years, early exits have left fans wanting more. With the team clearly building toward immediate success, expectations are high for a deeper playoff push this time around.


Are you as happy as JJ is for TJ about his new contract? Comment below!

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