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Insider reveals surprising nature of T.J. Watt's huge extension with Steelers

Insider reveals surprising nature of T.J. Watt's huge extension with Steelers

USA Today14 hours ago
Before T.J. Watt turned the NFL world upside down with his three-year, $123 million extension, many believed the contract negotiations would last a little while longer — including insider Mark Kaboly, who was completely caught off guard by the breaking news.
According to the longtime Steelers insider, both sides were reportedly at a stalemate leading up to the deal — with little evidence to suggest progress was being made in negotiations.
"I'm kind of surprised how quickly it came together because a week ago, actually today, there wasn't much movement, man," Kaboly said on his podcast, Kaboly + Mack. "There wasn't much movement at all. They were pretty far away."
Kaboly then listed a variety of contractual disagreements that had kept the Steelers and Watt from reaching the deal — insisting the extension was shocking in nature.
"There was years," Kaboly said. "There was the number of guaranteed money. There was overall salary. They still felt they were going to get the job done, but even the wisest person in the Steelers organization couldn't have thought it was going to be this quick."
Regardless of how surprising the extension was — or what really happened behind the scenes — it's a welcome relief that Watt and the Steelers can finally put this exhausting situation behind them.
For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
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