As anticipated, the Steelers have exercised the fifth-year option for linebacker T.J. Watt. His 2020 base salary is $1.7 million, and his 2021 salary will be in the neighborhood of $10 million.
For his career, Watt has 34.5 sacks, 18 pass defenses, 15 forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, and 177 tackles in 47 games.
Watt has high expectations for himself, so don’t be surprised if he improves on the already massive numbers he produced last season.
“I left a lot of plays out there this year,” Watt told Steeler.com’s Teresa Varley. “I am more motivated now than I ever have been.”
“It’s just working hard and getting more and more experience,” said Watt. “This was my second year playing the left side. I am just growing and learning how I can approach the game better, find out what works better for me as far as film study, practice and preparation. Hopefully I can keep taking those jumps as I progress in my career.”
Watt has been beyond impressive since he joined the Steelers in 2017. He capped off 2019 ranked in the top five in sacks (14.5), quarterback hits (36), forced fumbles (8), and fumble recoveries (4). According to Varley, Watt became the first player in the NFL to rank in the top-five in those categories since his brother, Houston Texans defensive end, J.J. Watt, did so in 2014.
Watt, who was a finalist for NFL Defensive Player of the Year, was named first-team Associated Press All-Pro, voted to the Pro Bowl for the second time, and was selected as the Steelers MVP by his teammates.
There’s no doubt that Watt will be the recipient of a hefty, extensive contract in 2022. And he’ll be worth every dollar.
