If only there’s a way to look into the thoughts of Pittsburgh Steelers fullback Derek Watt right now.
Two of his brothers hit the NFL jackpot at the peak of their careers.
His 32-year-old brother, three-time Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt, signed a six-year, $100 million contract with the Houston Texans in 2014.
Seven years later, his teammate and 26-year-old sibling, T.J. Watt, will become the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history.
If it’s ok with Yinz, I’d like to stay a while!! LETS GO PITTSBURGH!!!! pic.twitter.com/itjnF7XNLd
— TJ Watt (@_TJWatt) September 9, 2021
The Steelers wanted to complete a deal before the 2021 NFL season started because that’s how they operate.
But the negotiations hit a brick wall when both sides couldn’t agree on a final value.
Watt’s agent was stalling because it would help them extract more money.
However, Watt overruled that option and marched to Steelers president Art Rooney II’s office.
He announced that he was accepting the deal before excusing himself for a workout.
A Watt more of this coming 🔜@_TJWatt | #PITvsBUF: Sunday at 1 pm on CBS pic.twitter.com/AFyV1BuOcc
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) September 10, 2021
Solid work ethic seems to be an imprint of the Watt family DNA.
J.J. announced his signing with the Arizona Cardinals while lifting weights.
This time, younger brother T.J. went directly to the boss to end the stalemate.
Their drive to work hard, though, settled them for life financially.
Terms Of T.J. Watt’s New Contract
Watt agreed to a four-year, $112 million extension with the Steelers days before opening the 2021 NFL season against the Buffalo Bills.
That’s a $28 million annual average salary, making him the richest defensive player in the NFL as of the present.
Los Angeles Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa previously held that record with the five-year, $135 million contract he signed last season.
Watt’s new deal also trumps fellow outside linebacker Khalil Mack’s six-year, $141 million contract with the Chicago Bears starting in 2018.
I love my job. pic.twitter.com/bZOpOIxsxX
— TJ Watt (@_TJWatt) July 22, 2021
The Steelers broke their contract negotiating mold with Watt’s contract by guaranteeing more upfront money.
It’s customary for the six-time Super Bowl champions to guarantee the signing bonus at first and restructure the contract to provide financial security in the latter years.
This time, Pittsburgh guaranteed $80 million of Watt’s salary, a franchise record after Ben Roethlisberger’s $67.5 million guaranteed money.
His contract includes a $35 million signing bonus, plus base salaries of $1 million, $24 million, and $20 million from 2021 to 2023.
However, the new agreement will take effect in 2022 because Watt is still under the fifth-year option of his Steelers rookie contract.
Time To Put In The Work
The Steelers gave Watt that much money because they are confident that he will continue to perform at an All-Pro level through the deal.
Last year’s Deacon Jones Award recipient and AFC Defensive Player of the Year also made his third Pro Bowl and second inclusion to the first-team All-Pro.
Watt also finished second in the Defensive Player of the Year voting to Aaron Donald last season after racking up a league-high 15 sacks with 41 quarterback hits and 23 tackles for losses.
He also had 53 total tackles and two forced fumbles in 15 games played.
Pen to paper ✍️ pic.twitter.com/bVJXJJuSSw
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) September 10, 2021
Matching, if not surpassing, that production level is the only way to justify Pittsburgh’s splurge.
His dedication to making himself better will strike fear on whoever stands between him and the opposing quarterback.
He will get much help from their defensive line because it’s tough to cover nose tackle Tyson Alualu and Cameron Heyward one-on-one.
It’s time for Watt to hunt once those two attract much attention from the offensive linemen.
If TJ Watt sacks Josh Allen Sunday, it'll be the richest sack in NFL history.
Valued at over $370 million. #Bills #Steelers pic.twitter.com/xzRMUmuTme— Thad Brown (@thadbrown7) September 9, 2021
Quarterbacks have no idea that Watt is ready to pounce because he lines up on the weak side.
But Heinz Field must have a cash register sound effect for whenever Watt gets a sack.
That gimmick is a fantastic indicator that the Steelers’ gamble paid off.
NEXT: The Next Steelers Players Due For An Extension