PITTSBURGH – After months of controversial negotiations and a fast-approaching deadline to reach an agreement with the Steelers, TJ Watt on Friday expressed joy that the saga was over.
The 26-year-old star runner officially signed a five-year deal with the team Friday to become the NFL’s highest-paid defensive player. The new four-year extension is worth $ 112 million and includes a $ 35 million signing bonus and a $ 80 million guaranteed over the next three years, a source told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
It’s the biggest signing bonus in team history.
“Man, I’ve been dealing with pressure all my life,” Watt said about trying to live up to the pressures of the record deal. “… I am built for that. And I really believe that nothing monetary will change me as a person. The work I did will not change. It will only grow …
“It’s my job to show all these people that they’ve put that amount of money in me and that I’ve put myself at the table to say they want me here, to give them the reason. I know I can do it. I know exactly the I have been doing it all my life. It’s about continuing to do it and going hungry. And I guarantee that everyone here now and everyone in this building is hungry. “
After Friday’s training session, coach Mike Tomlin, who remained optimistic throughout the process of reaching an agreement, was also pleased that it had been done before the opening of the season on Sunday in Buffalo.
“Honestly, to be honest with you,” Tomlin said. “We can focus on that. It’s not that we haven’t been, but in circumstances like this, I ask a lot of questions about it and I like to focus my energies on the Buffalo Bills. He’s deserving. We’re happy to have him. It is good for all parties involved. “
Watt, speaking to the media for the first time since the first day of training, thanked his teammates for their support throughout the process.
“When you go through something like that, you try to stand up for what you believe in and you do it for yourself, keeping people confident that what interests you most is their opinion.
“And there are definitely some moments in this whole process where you feel like you’re almost alone. And that’s why it’s so important for those guys to say these nice things.”
Watt expects to play Sunday and feels “great.” He worked closely with the Steelers ’strength and conditioning staff throughout the training camp, when he primarily worked side-by-side during team periods.
When asked if he would have played on Sunday even without a deal, Watt seemed relieved that he didn’t have to make that decision.
“I’m glad we didn’t get to that point,” he said.