By Jeremy Hritz
Hopefully, by the time you read this article, TJ Watt has signed his new deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and is not only the highest paid Steeler, but also the highest paid defender in the NFL. The Steelers practice this Labor Day morning at 10:45 AM, and as was reported on DK Sports, Watt is expected to practice, regardless of whether or not he inked his new contract. Assuredly, both the Steelers and Watt want to finalize this deal as they have a regular season game to play against outstanding Buffalo Bills team, and the defense will need TJ’s skill set to have a legitimate opportunity to win.
The Steelers are not strangers with last minute deals prior to the start of the regular season, but it is also worth acknowledging that historically, they do not negotiate once the regular season begins. There is a sense of urgency to wrap this up so the focus can shift to the actual game of football, and to move beyond any type of unnecessary distraction.
In preparation for Watt’s pending (or not) massive deal, I wanted to provide a summary look at the highest paid edge rushers in the league, and also reigning DPOY’s contract, Aaron Donald. This will give you something to compare TJ’s new deal to, should it get done today. The contract numbers are all utilized from OverTheCap.com.
After you look over the numbers, where do you see TJ’s new contract coming in? One thing is for certain, dude is gonna get PAID!
Joey Bosa
Bosa gets paid $27 million dollars a year, with $78 million fully guaranteed. The total value of the contract is $135 million.
Myles Garrett
Garrett earns $25 million a year, and his contract is valued at $125 million. $50 million of his contract is fully guaranteed.
Kahlil Mack
Mack’s contract is valued at $141 million, and yearly, he earns $23.5 million. $60 million of his contract is fully guaranteed.
Demarcus Lawrence
Lawrence’s contract is valued at $105 million, and yearly, he earns $21 million, with $48 million full guaranteed.
Aaron Donald
Donald’s contract is valued at $135 million, and yearly, he earns $22.5 million. $50 million of his contract is fully guaranteed.