Why the Steelers Should Give T.J. Watt a Mega-Deal After Myles Garrett’s Historic Contract
The NFL’s elite edge rushers continue to reset the market, and the latest example comes from Cleveland, where star defensive end Myles Garrett just inked a massive contract extension. The Browns have locked Garrett in for four years at $160 million, with an eye-popping $123 million in guaranteed money. That figure not only reaffirms Garrett’s place among the league’s top defenders but also serves as a benchmark for others at his position.
Naturally, this deal has sparked immediate comparisons—especially within the AFC North. If you’re the Pittsburgh Steelers, and your own All-Pro pass rusher T.J. Watt is up for a new contract or extension soon, this Garrett deal sets the tone. And honestly, if Cleveland can hand that kind of money to Garrett, Pittsburgh should offer Watt an even bigger deal without hesitation.
Let’s talk numbers. If Garrett is getting $160 million over four years—averaging $40 million annually—then Watt, arguably just as impactful if not more consistent, deserves to be paid accordingly. A four-year, $161 million deal for Watt would not only eclipse Garrett’s contract by a slim margin but also solidify Watt as one of the highest-paid defensive players in league history, which is exactly where he belongs.
The structure of Watt’s potential contract should reflect his importance to the Steelers and the market trends. A proposal like $22 million in signing bonus, $60 million fully guaranteed at signing, and $124 million in total guarantees (just a hair above Garrett’s $123 million) would be both competitive and respectful of Watt’s resume. This kind of package would keep Watt happy, reward him for his production, and show that the Steelers are serious about maintaining their defensive identity.
Why T.J. Watt Deserves a Bigger Deal Than Garrett
To be clear, Myles Garrett is a phenomenal player—he’s a freak athlete with game-wrecking ability. But when you put his numbers and consistency next to Watt’s, the comparison tilts toward the Steelers star.
Watt has been a sack machine since entering the league. He tied Michael Strahan’s single-season sack record in 2021 with 22.5 sacks, and he’s been a Defensive Player of the Year (2021), a multiple-time Pro Bowler, and a key reason Pittsburgh’s defense has remained elite through some inconsistent offensive years. Watt doesn’t just pile up stats—he shows up in clutch moments, routinely flipping games with timely sacks, forced fumbles, and relentless pressure.
From a durability and effort standpoint, Watt is also known for his motor. Though injuries have affected him at times, when he’s on the field, his effort is unmatched. And unlike Garrett, who has occasionally faced questions about consistency or off-field issues (like the infamous helmet incident with Mason Rudolph), Watt has been a model of professionalism and leadership.
The Market Is Shifting—And Watt’s Deal Should Reflect That
Garrett’s contract signals a broader shift in how pass rushers are valued. With quarterbacks continuing to dominate salaries, defenses are investing more heavily in players who can disrupt them. Edge rushers are now seen as premium assets—on par with top offensive linemen, wide receivers, and cornerbacks. This is no longer a league where a dominant pass rusher gets $25 million and calls it a day. The top names are now pushing and surpassing $40 million per year.
In that context, Watt is absolutely worth a contract north of $160 million. Not only does he produce like a superstar, but he also brings leadership, experience, and consistency. He’s a franchise cornerstone, and in today’s NFL, those players get paid.
Moreover, the Steelers have long been known for their defensive tradition—think Jack Lambert, Troy Polamalu, James Harrison. Watt is the latest in that lineage, and keeping him locked up for the prime years of his career is a no-brainer.
Structure Matters: How Watt’s Contract Could Look
Let’s break down the possible structure of a $161 million deal over four years:
- Signing Bonus: $22 million – this is immediate money for Watt and gives the team flexibility to spread cap hits.
- Guaranteed at Signing: $60 million – shows a serious commitment and gives Watt peace of mind.
- Total Guarantees: $124 million – just edging out Garrett and setting a new high-water mark.
This contract would average $40.25 million per year, slightly more than Garrett’s $40 million even. It’s not about blowing the market away—it’s about fair compensation and maintaining the pecking order among elite defenders.
Some may argue the Steelers have traditionally been conservative with contracts, especially when compared to teams like the Browns. But times change. If the franchise wants to keep its defensive identity strong—and retain one of the most beloved players on the roster—stepping up with a deal like this is essential.
The Steelers Can Afford This—And They Should
Pittsburgh isn’t flush with cap space every year, but smart franchises find a way to pay their top players. With the cap continuing to rise annually, deals like these will seem less daunting in a year or two. The key is planning and structure.
And it’s not like the Steelers have a ton of other megadeals they need to hand out immediately. With Kenny Pickett no longer in the picture and the offense in a rebuilding phase, the defense remains the team’s identity. Investing in Watt is both a football decision and a cultural one.
The alternative—letting Watt play out his current deal and risk holding out, declining performance, or losing him to free agency—isn’t worth it. The team’s best shot at staying competitive in a tough AFC is with Watt leading the defense, healthy and happy.
Final Thoughts: Make the Call
The Myles Garrett contract isn’t just a payday—it’s a challenge to the rest of the league. If Cleveland is willing to invest this heavily in a defender, Pittsburgh needs to respond.
T.J. Watt isn’t just worth Garrett money—he’s arguably worth more. Four years, $161 million. $22 million signing bonus. $60 million fully guaranteed at signing. $124 million total guaranteed. The time is now.
The Steelers have always taken care of their homegrown stars. Watt is the face of their defense and one of the best players in the NFL. Pay him like it.
Let me know if you want a shorter summary, visual breakdown of the contract, or a fan-styl
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