The Pittsburgh Steelers have reached a historic agreement with linebacker TJ Watt, who has become the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history for the second time in his career. This raises the question of how his earnings compare to the teamâs two most recent starting quarterbacks: Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson.
Watt agreed to a three-year, $123 million contract extension that includes $108 million fully guaranteed at signing with the Steelers. The $41 million annual average is the highest ever for any non-quarterback in league history.
This extraordinary deal for the Steelersâ star naturally leads to a comparison, first, in terms of how much more he makes annually than A-Rod, Pittsburghâs newest addition. It also highlights the gap between his earnings and Russell Wilsonâs recent deal with the New York Giants.
How much does T.J. Watt make compared to Rodgers and Wilson?
Wattâs eye-popping contract not only shatters records for defensive players, but it also far exceeds the salary of Rodgers, who will earn $14.15 million in his first year with Pittsburgh. Itâs also over $30 million more than Wilsonâs $10.5 million salary in his current deal with the Giants.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers participates during mandatory minicamp at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on June 10, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
T.J. Watt earns more than other QBs with recent deals
Wattâs new contract doesnât just top the salaries of the Steelersâ two latest quarterbacks, it also surpasses the earnings of three other notable starters who signed new contracts this offseason. First, Watt earns more than Geno Smith, now with the Las Vegas Raiders, whose deal averages $37.5 million per year.
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Sam Darnold, the new starting quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks, also falls short of Watt with his three-year, $100.5 million contract, averaging $33.5 million per season. Lastly, Daniel Jones signed a one-year, $14 million deal with the Indianapolis Colts, a figure thatâs significantly lower than Wattâs.
T.J. Wattâs impact on the Steelers
His contract numbers match his production on the field, no player has recorded more sacks over the past five seasons than TJ Watt, who has 73.5 in that span. The salary gap reflects Wattâs status as a defensive superstar capable of commanding quarterback-level pay.
