On Thursday, the Pittsburgh Steelers agreed to terms with T.J. on a historic three-year, $123 million extension that made him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history with a $41 million AAV. It surpassed wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase of the Cincinnati Bengals ($40.25 million) and rival Cleveland Browns pass rusher Myles Garrett ($40 million).

The Pittsburgh Steelers were seemingly "reluctant" to guarantee money beyond the first year of a contract extension handed to pass-rusher T.J. Watt but nevertheless gave him a three-year, $123M deal that included $108M guaranteed before veteran Steelers players began reporting to training camp on Wednesday.