(Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
T.J. Watt and the Steelers went back and forth in negotiations throughout training camp and the preseason, but they finally agreed to terms on a four-year extension worth over $112 million this afternoon. According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, Watt will make $28.003 million per year — with $80 million fully guaranteed at signing. Watt is now the highest paid defensive player in the league.
The hold-up for getting the deal done was that the Steelers have a long-standing policy of not guaranteeing money past the first year. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Watt had enough of the negations, however, and settled with the $80 million in guarantees even though his agents believed they could get more money. Schefter said that Watt overruled his agents and marched into the office of Steelers president Art Rooney II and told him they had a deal. Watt then excused himself and announced he had to go work out. You wouldn't expect anything else from a Watt.
With the deal out of the way, Watt can now focus fully on the Bills on Sunday. Watt was a full participant at practice yesterday for the first time since training camp started in early July. Previously, Watt just participated in team drills and not the 11-on-11 sessions.
Watt also posted a message to Steelers Nation tonight on Twitter, "If it's ok with Yinz, I'd like to stay a while!! LETS GO PITTSBURGH!!!!"