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T.J. Watt Gets $200M Contract Update Amid Uncertain Steelers Future

T.J. Watt's future with the Pittsburgh Steelers has never been more uncertain.

The superstar edge rusher is entering the final year of his deal in 2025 and is seeking an extension from the team. However, negotiations between Watt and the Steelers aren't going well, and it led to him skipping mandatory minicamp in June.

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ESPN's Adam Schefter even added that Watt is unhappy with his contract situation, and though the Steelers have no intentions of trading the All-Pro pass rusher, teams have been discussing the possibility.

Watt hasn't been very vocal about his contract situation recently, but we received an update from Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

During an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show on Tuesday, Dulac said that Watt wants to become the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL in his new contract, and his deal will have to be over five years so Pittsburgh can spread the money out.

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"The stalemate is going to be that T.J. Watt wants to be the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league," Dulac said on The Rich Eisen Show on Tuesday. "And the Steelers are looking at it that he's age 31. In order to accommodate any kind of large contract, it can't be a three-year deal, it has to be a five-year deal because you need to spread the money out."

Ja'Marr Chase of the Cincinnati Bengals is currently the highest-paid non-quarterback in football, as he signed a four-year extension worth $161 million with the Bengals in March. That means Watt is seeking a deal worth over $40 million annually, and if the Steelers want to do a deal for five years, Watt's total contract number would exceed $200 million.

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Watt is getting older and didn't post prolific sack numbers in 2024. However, the seven-time Pro Bowler is more than deserving of a historic deal, and he still has a few years of high-level play left in him. We'll see if the Steelers and Watt can strike an agreement on an extension soon.

Roster Move: Right after the injury of DT Milton Williams, the Patriots immediately signed the former Chiefs star to the practice squad to strengthen the defensive depth ahead of the showdown with the Bengals
Foxborough, Massachusetts – November 19, 2025 Immediately after the news that defensive tackle Milton Williams suffered a long-term injury and will be sidelined, the New England Patriots made an urgent roster move to reinforce their defensive line. The team officially announced the signing of former Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Fabien Lovett Sr. to the practice squad. This decision comes just days before the Patriots begin their preparation week for a massive showdown against the Cincinnati Bengals, a team known for its powerful interior offensive attack. Lovett is a familiar name to scouts after his college career at Mississippi State and Florida State before joining the Chiefs in 2024. He brings an impressive frame, excellent run-stopping ability, and standout hand strength. Although he has not yet had many opportunities to play in the NFL, Patriots evaluators believe Lovett can become a perfect fit in head coach Mike Vrabel’s defensive system if properly developed. The addition of Lovett is viewed as a necessary step as the Patriots face a serious depth shortage on the interior defensive line, with Williams out and several other key players still not fully healthy. Adding depth at defensive tackle has been deemed absolutely critical ahead of facing the Bengals, who consistently attack the middle of the defense. Foxborough is therefore hopeful that Lovett will integrate quickly and become a reliable rotational option. In his first media availability, Fabien Lovett Sr. showed determination and gratitude for the opportunity the Patriots have given him: “I’m going to give everything I have every single day — every practice, every snap. I want to prove to Coach Vrabel that I deserve a spot in the Patriots ranks. This is an opportunity and I’m not going to waste it.” The straightforward statement left a strong impression on reporters at Gillette. Despite currently being only a practice-squad signing, Lovett is projected to have a fast track to the active roster if he performs well. The current situation is forcing the Patriots to stay flexible and ready to give chances to players with the right attitude. With clear determination and motivation, Lovett is expected to become a surprise contributor that helps the New England defense stand firm against the major challenge named the Cincinnati Bengals.