The Pittsburgh Steelers have one week remaining of their month-long break before training camp begins. Both rookies and veterans report to camp on Wednesday, July 23, at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. The Steelers’ first day of open practice is scheduled for Thursday, July 24, with a total of 15 sessions open to the public.
With seven days until report day, all eyes were on whether their one-time Defensive Player of the Year would hold out.
Pittsburgh Steelers’ Defensive Player of the Year wants a new contract
T.J. Watt held out of mandatory minicamp because he wants a new contract. He enters the final year of his deal, and he is scheduled to earn a $21,050,000 base salary, $0 guaranteed, and a $30,418,695 cap hit, per Over The Cap. The length of the new contract and the guaranteed money are the two things holding Watt and the Steelers back from reaching an agreement.
Also Read: ‘Third-Year Guarantee’: Pittsburgh Steelers Arguing With T.J. Watt Amid $40 million Negotiations
Pittsburgh Steelers’ 7x-Pro Bowler agrees to mega deal
According to Adam Schefter, the Steelers and T.J. Watt have agreed to a contract extension, making him the highest-paid non-QB in NFL history. As Schefter points out, the deal is for three years and is worth $123 million with a whopping $108 million fully guaranteed at signing. As a result, Watt will be under contract through 2028 and will earn $153 million.
ESPN sources: Steelers star TJ Watt has become the highest-paid non-QB in NFL history for the second time in his illustrious career, reaching agreement today on a three-year, $123 million extension that includes $108M fully guaranteed at signing. The $41 million per year average… pic.twitter.com/si6V7FUdlp
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 17, 2025
