Pittsburgh Steelers pass rusher T.J. Watt is one of the game’s most dominant players. There aren’t many players in the NFL that have quite the impact that Watt has on any given Sunday. His ability to rush the passer is well-documented, but how he’s able to affect the run game, as well as how he commands double teams and constant attention, makes him truly one of a kind.
Let’s take a look at Watts’ contract, his salary cap impact on the Steelers, what his next contract may look like, and his current net worth.
T.J. Watt’s Contract Details
According to Spotrac, Watt signed a four-year, $112,011,000 contract with the Steelers, with $80 million guaranteed and an average annual salary of $28,002,750. This season, Watt will earn a base salary of $20 million while carrying a cap hit of $29,368,694 and a dead cap value of $48,106,082.
Watt has two additional years left on his contract and will be an unrestricted free agent in 2026. But the feeling is that the Steelers may not let it get to that point before they opt to re-sign Watt once again.
Does Watt Have Any Bonuses in His Contract?
Upon signing his four-year, $112 million deal, it included a $35,593,470 signing bonus, as well as $80 million in guaranteed money. To be given that kind of money upfront, as well as the total that was guaranteed over the life of the four years, is a true testament to Watt’s play and the feeling the organization has about him as a player and a person.
What Could Watt’s Next Contract Look Like?
Currently, Watt is the second-highest-paid pass rusher in the NFL behind only San Francisco 49ers EDGE Nick Bosa. Bosa just signed a new deal this year that pays him $170 million over five years and reset the pass rusher market.
The expectation is that as more pass rushers get paid, Watt’s annual per-year average will be surpassed, resulting in Watt’s number dropping down the board. However, while the price tag may go up, the number of years on the deal may actually be shorter.
When Watt’s current contract expires, he will be 32 years old. While that is not old by any means, once you hit north of 30, the longevity of the contracts tends to shorten a bit.
MORE: Where Did T.J. Watt Play College Football?
It’s not unrealistic to expect to see Watt in the ballpark of a three-year deal for around $120 million in total value, giving him an annual average of $40 million a year.
This contract would account for the rise in contracts surely to come, as well as putting him up with the most respected names. It would allow the team to have control until Watt turns 35 and give them the ability to assess where they and Watt are at that time.
Watt’s Net Worth
According to Wealthy Gorilla, as of November 2023, Watt’s net worth is estimated to be roughly $10 million. He has gathered mostly from his time on the field but also has sponsorship deals with several companies, including Six Star Pro Nutrition, Capital One, GameBreaker Sports, and Panini.
Watt just inked a nine-figure deal last season and is on pace to ink another one in a few years having him truly set up for success for the remainder of his playing career and his life beyond football.
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