T.J. Watt's Steelers contract ranked among NFL's worst
3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 14, 2026, 8:02 PM
Last updated Jun 14, 2026
T.J. Watt's three-year, $123 million extension with the Pittsburgh Steelers, signed less than a year ago, has been categorized as one of the NFL's worst contracts. A ranking by Brad Gagnon of Bleacher Report cited Watt's advancing age and a significant drop in sack production—19 sacks in 2023 to only seven in 2025—as key factors. Additionally, Watt's first season without an All-Pro designation since 2018 signals a decline. If the Steelers decide to move on after 2027, they would incur $94 million in salary and dead-cap charges for just two seasons of play. The story remains subject to updates.
- •T.J. Watt signed a three-year extension with the Steelers last year.
- •Brad Gagnon ranked Watt's contract as the fifth worst in the NFL.
- •Watt's sack totals have decreased significantly in recent seasons.
- •A potential move on from Watt could cost the Steelers $94 million.
- 8:02 PMYahoo Sports — Steelers' T.J. Watt contract blasted as one of worst in NFL
- 4:21 PMYahoo Sports — NFL writer ranks Steelers T.J. Watt contract among league’s worst
- 4:03 PMYahoo Sports — Contract for Pittsburgh Steelers star named one of NFL's worst
"It has been less than a full calendar year since star linebacker T.J. Watt signed a 3-year, $123 million extension with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the deal is already being labeled as one of the worst in the entire NFL. Brad Gagnon of Bleacher Report recently ranked the 10 worst current contracts in the NFL, and Watt's came in at No. 5. Gagnon cited Watt's advancing age and declining production combined with the high sticker price of his contract as rationale for his inclusion.
"Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt's contract has been listed as one of the worst in the NFL ahead of the 2026 regular season.
"The former Defensive Player of the Year has one of the worst contracts in the NFL.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 14, 2026, 8:02 PMSteelers' T.J. Watt contract blasted as one of worst in NFL
Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt's contract has been listed as one of the worst in the NFL ahead of the 2026 regular season.
- Yahoo SportsJun 14, 2026, 4:21 PMNFL writer ranks Steelers T.J. Watt contract among league’s worst
The former Defensive Player of the Year has one of the worst contracts in the NFL.
- Yahoo SportsJun 13, 2026, 4:03 PMContract for Pittsburgh Steelers star named one of NFL's worst
It has been less than a full calendar year since star linebacker T.J. Watt signed a 3-year, $123 million extension with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the deal is already being labeled as one of the worst in the entire NFL. Brad Gagnon of Bleacher Report recently ranked the 10 worst current contracts in the NFL, and Watt's came in at No. 5. Gagnon cited Watt's advancing age and declining production combined with the high sticker price of his contract as rationale for his inclusion.
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