$41M a season for a 'edge rusher'?!

[DelMar]

Watt and the Pittsburgh Steelers have agreed to a record breaking three-year contract worth a reported $123 million ($41M per). The deal includes $108 million in fully guaranteed money. This eclipses the four-year contract receiver Ja'Marr Chase signed with the Cincinnati Bengals earlier this offseason. That deal for $161 million averaged $40.25 million on an annual average basis.

Just a few years ago, this was GREAT QB money, now it's great Edge money. Insane. What makes this even more insane is his injury history. Makes Watt the highest paid (NON QB) player in NFL, now.

Best of luck Steelers... I am glad we didnt do this.

[NorCal RF]

Agree insane. That being said the Rams will probably be looking at a deal breaking that with Verse in a few years………..

[DelMar]

Agree insane. That being said the Rams will probably be looking at a deal breaking that with Verse in a few years………..

In a few years, $41M might be on the low end.

How far are we away from a true $1B contract I ask... hmmm.

[FelixTheStonerCat]

Crazy. I guess they're paying for past Watt and not current Watt.

[ocram23]

boy I bet the Bengals FO is not happy with Pitt. They will never sign hendrickson now

[malibu]

My pov he may have been worth it but currently on the backside of his career at 30 I don't think. The Steelers were in a rock and a hard place he is the leader of the defense and a perennial all pro HOFer most likely but cost verses expectation. This deal is very similar to Ramsey a once superstar now slowly declining imo.

2024 he started 17 games and had 11.5 sacks
2023 he started 17 games and had 19 sacks
2022 he started 10 games and had 5.5 sacks
2021 he started 15 games and had 22.5 sacks

To me he is trending down maybe a bad year but this was over 17 games. 2021 was his best year. In general his Tackles either solo or assisted have stayed consistent.

I guess they could have traded him and gotten a kings ransom a first maybe 2 or a first, and possibly 2 seconds but what it says to the fan base as well as great players on the team so there are damned if they do or damned if they don't.

[CierraRam]

My pov he may have been worth it but currently on the backside of his career at 30 I don't think. The Steelers were in a rock and a hard place he is the leader of the defense and a perennial all pro HOFer most likely but cost verses expectation. This deal is very similar to Ramsey a once superstar now slowly declining imo.

2024 he started 17 games and had 11.5 sacks
2023 he started 17 games and had 19 sacks
2022 he started 10 games and had 5.5 sacks
2021 he started 15 games and had 22.5 sacks

To me he is trending down maybe a bad year but this was over 17 games. 2021 was his best year. In general his Tackles either solo or assisted have stayed consistent.

I guess they could have traded him and gotten a kings ransom a first maybe 2 or a first, and possibly 2 seconds but what it says to the fan base as well as great players on the team so there are damned if they do or damned if they don't.

As for the fans and what they might think if they traded him... IMO that's where you have to have a transparent relationship and explain exactly what went down and why from the team perspective. That is if you want to continue with their good graces when it involves a player on the elite level.

I would have tested the trade market.. and if I got perceived value, then I make that trade rather than continue to set these contract trends. Especially since we are talking about an edge rusher making this kind of coin. To me this kind of trading is what keeps a team relevant indefinitely. On the other hand, loading the Cap down with these high end deals across the roster is how you're gonna start declining. You just can't keep a team together for a decade anymore in today's game. I do miss that.

[ocram23]

Agree insane. That being said the Rams will probably be looking at a deal breaking that with Verse in a few years………..

Verse has to perform at a very high level for 2 more yrs for him to get close to that number IMO. Watt is that good. and I agree insane $$$