While some analysts, like Nick Wright of FS1 , ripped the Pittsburgh Steelers ' decision to give T.J. Watt a three-year, $123 million extension that includes $108 million fully guaranteed at signing. Former Steelers free safety and current ESPN analyst Ryan Clark praised the organization for giving Watt what he rightfully deserves.
"You did what you were supposed to do, by giving T.J. Watt what he's earned, and what he has the potential to produce on the field for you," Clark said, via NFL Live on ESPN . "…Man, you had to do this. T.J. Watt earned this contract. You're taking care of all these people that aren't lifelong Pittsburgh Steelers. You're going to get this sort of production from T.J. Watt this year, next year, and the year after. As long as he's healthy and he's on the field, you know what he produces. You also know the way this equates to wins for this team."
Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt during a game against the Cleveland Browns on Dec. 8, 2024. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
Extending Watt and giving him $108 million of fully guaranteed money is a gamble for Pittsburgh. The soon-to-be 31-year-old is coming off the least-productive full season of his NFL career.
However, the Steelers are clearly focused on making another run to the Super Bowl, especially with their offseason additions of quarterback Aaron Rodgers , wide receiver DK Metcalf , tight end Jonnu Smith and cornerbacks Jalen Ramsey and Darius Slay.
Watt gives Pittsburgh the best chance to do just that, despite having yet to win a postseason game in his NFL career. In 2024, he still proved to be a difference maker while recording 11.5 sacks and a league-leading six forced fumbles.
No player has recorded more sacks over the last five seasons than Watt, who has 73.5 during that span. In one-score games since 2021, Watt ranks first in sacks (43), forced fumbles (12) and batted passes (14), according to Pro Football Focus .
The former NFL Defensive Player of the Year, four-time first-team All-Pro and seven-time Pro Bowler has recorded 462 tackles, 108 sacks, 33 forced fumbles, 12 fumble recoveries, seven interceptions and 50 passes defended in his NFL career.
Aaron Becker contributed reporting for this story.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now : Ryan Clark Supports Steelers' Decision to Pay T.J. Watt: 'You Did What You Were Supposed to Do'
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