Insider believes Steelers' T.J. Watt will become highest-paid defender
On Sunday's episode of ESPN's SportsCenter, Fowler claimed that the Steelers remain optimistic in contract negotiations, while Watt could usurp the title of highest-paid defender — a title Browns DE Myles Garrett holds:
"Steelers, I'm sensing are optimistic they can reach a deal with Watt eventually," Fowler said. "My sense is that he will probably be the highest-paid pass-rusher in the league when this is all said and done. He wants to be a Steeler for life, the Steelers want that, he's a legacy-type player.
"They believe at 30 years old he still has several good years left. They're just gonna have to come up with a number and a good guarantee structure. He did miss minicamp, so Pittsburgh has a lot of work to do. But typically, Pittsburgh perks up in these things around training camp and late July."
Fowler's comments mirror those of insider Jesse Palmer — who predicted last week that Watt could surpass Garrett's $40 million per year. However, insider Ian Rapoport quickly shot down the buzz, claiming he hadn't heard that exact number being discussed.
These insights will continue to fluctuate until Watt puts pen to paper — which is hopefully soon, as July's training camp continues to inch closer.
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