Multiple sources say the Steelers and linebacker TJ Watt have agreed on a new contract that will make him the highest-paid defensive player in the NFL. The teams have been negotiating since before the start of training camp and Watt had not participated in team drills until Wednesday, working out solo instead while the talks continued.
The NFL Network reported it’s a four-year deal worth $112 million, with $80 million guaranteed. The Steelers have not announced it publicly yet, but Watt wrote on his official Twitter account, “If it’s ok with Yinz, I’d like to stay a while!! GO PITTSBURGH!!!!”
Other players in the NFL have signed longer-term contracts worth more money, but at four years, Watt’s average of $28 million is the highest ever for a defensive player.
Watt’s running mate at outside linebacker, second-year pro Alex Highsmith, missed practice yesterday due to a sore groin. Nose tackle Tyson Alualu and center Kendrick Green both were full participants after being limited on Wednesday. The Steelers travel to Buffalo on Sunday for the regular season opener. It’s on WDAD, with the pregame show airing at noon.
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An incredible run of preseason injuries continued for Baltimore yesterday. Already suffering season-ending injuries to running backs JK Dobbins and Justice Hill, the Ravens reportedly have lost running back Gus Edwards and star cornerback Marcus Peters to torn ACLs, which would end their seasons. The team has not commented, but Edwards and Peters both missed practice yesterday with what the Ravens listed as knee injuries.
Last night in the NFL, the Tampa Bay Bucs beat Dallas, 31-29 as Ryan Succop kicked a 36-yard field goal with two seconds left. Tom Brady led the Bucs on the game-winning drive after Dallas had taken the lead late in the game. Brady threw for 379 yards and four touchdowns while Dak Prescott threw for 403 yards and three scores for the Cowboys.
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