Latest news with #Watt
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
NHL Insider: T.J. Watt may overshadow Myles Garrett with record-breaking Pittsburgh Steelers deal extension
T.J. Watt (via Getty Images) Pittsburgh Steelers free outside linebacker T.J. Watt is seeking an enormous new contract of $40 million or more than Cleveland Browns phenom Myles Garrett's current high of $40 million a year, says NFL insider James Palmer. With the Steelers negotiating with T.J. Watt, a record-breaking payday seems to be waiting—if the Steelers are willing to keep pace with the higher and higher market rate for elite edge pass rushers. T.J. Watt's new contract could raise the bar even higher as Pittsburgh Steelers consider record extension While the NFL off-season becomes more intense, one of the league's leading defensive players— T.J. Watt — is once again grabbing headlines for his upcoming contract extension negotiations with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Watt, still the focal point of the Steelers' defense, is said to be negotiating a new deal that might see him become the highest-paid defensive player in the league. Bleacher Report's NFL insider James Palmer broke on the NFL Insider Notebook that he's hearing Watt might ask for over $40 million annually—a figure that would exceed the current highest salary for a defensive player, held by Cleveland Browns pass rusher Myles Garrett. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Steelers Rumors: PIT WAITING For T.J. Watt Extension Before Adding Jalen Ramsey And/Or Amari Cooper? 'I'm hearing there's a chance Watt gets past $40 [million per season],' Palmer said on 'NFL Insider Notebook.' 'He has every right to ask for it. I've talked on here a lot about the comparisons between him and Myles Garrett. The numbers are almost identical in every aspect in terms of superlatives and in terms of numbers, and they came in the same draft class. I mean, he has every right to try to get that.' Both Garrett and Watt came into the NFL in the same draft class and have been perennially elite ever since. T.J. Watt, set to be 31 next season, recorded 11.5 sacks in an injury-marred 2024 season but is still a pillar of the Pittsburgh Steelers' defense. Also in the mix is rising Detroit Lions star Aidan Hutchinson, whose future deal could further inflate the market for top edge rushers. That puts additional pressure on Pittsburgh Steelers General Manager Omar Khan, who recently spoke about Watt's long-term future with the franchise. 'I'm not going to get into the contract numbers, but if you're referring to T.J. [Watt], I assume, I'll just say that I'm very hopeful that T.J. will finish his career as a Steeler,' Khan said during last week's NFL league meetings. Watt has also spoken publicly about wanting to stay in Pittsburgh, where he's played his entire career since being drafted in 2017. The linebacker's play and leadership remain the calling card of the Steelers' defense, which makes the contract negotiations a priority for the front office. Also read: Steelers risk betraying T.J. Watt's loyalty as contract standoff threatens to end his Pittsburgh legacy As the negotiations unfold, fans and pundits will be observing closely. If the Pittsburgh Steelers do decide to meet Watt's price tag, it will not only be a huge fiscal investment—it will be a demonstration of their commitment to preserving their defensive identity for years to come. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
USA Today
17 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Insider rejects Steelers' T.J. Watt $40 million deal: 'I hadn't heard that number'
The latest T.J. Watt contract update has been dismissed by insider Ian Rapoport. On Friday's episode of The Pat McAfee Show, Rapoport was asked to speak to the legitimacy of insider James Palmer's report that Watt was expected to earn more than Myles Garrett's $40 million per year — and this was his response: "I have not heard that," Rapoport said. "If he gets more than Myles, I would say that is awesome for T.J. These are the guys you pay. He's great. He's a good guy, he is a face of that franchise, and like, these are the kinds of guys who should be paid all the money and should retire as a member of the Steelers. ... I still think it's going to work out, but I hadn't heard that number and I hadn't heard that anything is imminent." Garrett can breathe a sigh of relief, as Rapoport's comments somewhat instill confidence that the Browns superstar will remain the highest-paid defender. It's worth noting that these updates are entirely speculative until Watt puts pen to paper — and hopefully that happens sooner than later, so both parties can put this situation to bed. For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Former Arizona Cardinals DL J.J. .Watt announces birth of second child
Watt announced the birth of son Niko Benjamin Watt. Former Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman J.J. Watt is a father for the second time. He announced the birth of his and his wife Kealia's second son, Niko Benjamin Watt, this week on social media. He was born on June 14. Watt finished his NFL career in 2022, playing the final two seasons for the Cardinals after a decade with the Houston Texans. Their first son, Koa, was born in October 2022, during Watt's final season. Congratulations to the family and the new addition. Watt finished his 12-year career surely to make the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He had 114.5 career sacks, was a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, a five-time Pro Bowler and a five-time first-team All-Pro. While with the Cardinals, in his final season, he had 12.5 sacks to lead the team, 18 tackles for loss, 25 quarterback hits and seven tipped passes. Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Steelers, T.J. Watt contract update — and it could be bad news for Myles Garrett
T.J. Watt may soon become the NFL's highest-paid defender — at least that's what insider James Palmer is hearing. On Wednesday, Palmer provided an update on Watt's contract negotiations with the Steelers — and it could spell bad news for Myles Garrett's historic four-year, $160 million deal (courtesy of Bleacher Report): "I'm hearing there's a chance Watt gets past [$40 million]," Palmer said. "Which is something we're really keeping an eye on, right? If he gets that $40 million a year, at the age he is at, he has every right to ask for it. I've talked on here a lot about the comparison between him and Myles Garrett. The numbers are almost identical in every aspect. … [Watt] has the right to try and get that." It's been speculated that Watt is seeking to surpass Garrett's guaranteed money of $123.5 million, but if the Steelers defender can usurp the throne for highest-paid defender as well, it's just another feather in his cap over the Browns defensive end. For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
STV News
2 days ago
- Sport
- STV News
Elliot Watt keen to impress after signing two-year deal at Motherwell
Elliot Watt is looking forward to working under recently appointed Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou after signing a two-year contract with the club. The 25-year-old midfielder moves to Lanarkshire following his departure from Burton and having spent the second of last season in the William Hill Premiership with St Johnstone. Watt has joined up with the Well squad and their new Danish boss Askou at their pre-season base in the Netherlands as they gear up for their Premier Sports Cup opener against Clyde in just over a fortnight. 'I've spoken with some of the players I know in the squad,' Watt told Motherwell's official website as his deal was announced on Thursday. 'They have said how impressed they have been under the new manager, and that gave me real excitement for this move. From my short time in Scotland last year, I enjoyed the league. When this opportunity came up, I didn't think twice. 'It's a great opportunity for me to play regularly and enjoy my football. This is a club that has a great reputation and I'm looking forward to being a part of that. I've now got some hard work ahead of me during pre-season, which I will get stuck straight into.' Watt had a spell as captain of Burton following his arrival from Salford last summer but after falling out of favour with the Brewers, he was allowed to head to Saints, where he scored two goals in nine appearances. The former Scotland Under-21 international came through the ranks at Wolves and also enjoyed a two-year stint at Bradford in which he played almost 100 games. 'In Elliot we've found a hungry, talented and determined young man who already has plenty of experience in the senior game,' Askou said. 'He has recently had a taste of the Scottish Premiership. He is a highly skilled passer of the ball, dictating the game in possession by always being brave and available. He covers ground well and possesses a strong positional discipline. 'I'm really pleased that he's joining us, and he'll add increased width, quality and competition to our squad. He's travelled with us to the Netherlands, which will give him the best possible conditions to get included in the group and make an instant impact in our team.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
