In each of the last two NFL seasons, an argument could be made that Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher TJ Watt was the best defensive player in the league. And now, according to Bleker Report, he will be paid that way.
They put their list of the free agents set to get paid in 2022, and Watt was the big hit for the group. They speculate that Watt’s new contract will be something in the neighborhood of five years and $ 140 million.
This would put him ahead of Los Angeles Chargers edge rusher Joey Bosa, but slightly behind Chicago Bears edge Khalil Mack in terms of overall contract value. But on average, Watts $ 28 million per season would be the best in the NFL.
If there’s one spot where the Bleacher Report piece misses the mark, it’s where Watt will draw. The odds of a team out-of-season Pittsburgh for Watt’s services with the sheer amount of salary cap they will have available is long. Had it not been for the massive drop in salary ceiling this season as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Pittsburgh would have tried to get an extension off the season.