T.J. Watt Has Once Again Become The Highest-Paid Non-Quarterback In NFL History

The Watt family has had no shortage of NFL success. All three sons reached the pros and had lengthy careers. J.J. Watt was a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year while with the Houston Texans. Derek Watt spent seven years as a fullback. T.J. Watt has made six All-Pro teams (four firsts and two seconds) and also earned a Defensive Player of the Year award in 2021. He's reached the Pro Bowl in every season except his rookie year.

He also has bragging rights among his brothers financially. The youngest Watt has agreed to a three-year contract extension with the Pittsburgh Steelers worth $123 million. The average annual value of $41 million puts Watt ahead of Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase ($40.25 million) and edge rusher Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns ($40 million).

Watt's deal also includes $108 million fully guaranteed at signing. Let's see how he stacks up against his brothers.

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According to Spotrac, Derek Watt made about $12.2 million over his career. In 12 seasons in the NFL, J.J. Watt made about $129.7 million.

That's right, T.J. Watt's new extension will nearly equal the amount his oldest brother made throughout his entire career, and T.J. will get that money in nine fewer seasons than what his brother played.

To date, T.J. has made $110.9 million in NFL earnings. He received a four-year, $112 million contract extension in 2021, which was when he was most recently the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league. He's still got one year left on that deal.

The youngest Watt turns 31 in October, so this is likely his last huge deal in the NFL. Assuming he continues playing at a high level and finishes out his deal, he'll have $254.9 million in career earnings by the time he's 35 years old.

He could very well decide to hang up his cleats by then, or perhaps he'll try to get one more deal that could push his earnings past the $300 million mark.

Whatever T.J. ends up doing, we hope he gets J.J. and Derek something nice as a thank you for all those years of practice and brotherly love.