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PITTSBURGH – After months of controversial negotiations and a fast approaching deadline for a deal with the Steelers, TJ Watt expressed his joy on Friday that the saga was over.
The 26-year-old star forward officially signed a five-year contract with the team on Friday to become the highest-paid defensive player in the NFL. The new four-year extension is worth $ 112 million and includes a signing bonus of $ 35 million and $ 80 million guaranteed over the next three years, a source told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
It’s the biggest signing bonus in team history.
“Dude, I’ve been dealing with pressure my whole life,” Watt said of trying to deal with the pressures of the record deal. “… This is what I was made for. And I truly believe that nothing money will change me as a person. The work I have done will not change. It will only grow. …
“It’s my job to prove to all these people who put this amount of money on me and stood up on the table to say they want me here, to prove them right. I know I can. do. I know exactly what it takes. I’ve been doing it my whole life. It’s just a matter of keeping doing it and staying hungry. And I guarantee everyone here right now and everything the world in this building, I’m always hungry. “
After Friday’s practice, coach Mike Tomlin, who remained optimistic throughout the process that a deal would be made, was also happy that it was done ahead of Sunday’s season opener at Buffalo.
“There’s a feeling of relief, to be completely honest with you,” Tomlin said. “We can focus on that. Not that we haven’t been, but under circumstances like this, I ask a lot of questions about it, and I like to focus my energies on the Buffalo Bills. He deserves it. We’re happy to have him. It’s good for all parties involved. “
Watt, speaking to the media for the first time since day one of training camp, thanked his teammates for their support throughout the process.
“When you go through something like this and try to stand up for what you believe in and do it yourself, being reassured by people that you care the most about their opinion means a lot.
“And there are definitely times in this whole process where you feel almost alone. And that’s why it’s so important for these guys to say these beautiful things.”
Watt expects to play on Sunday and is feeling “good”. He worked closely with the Steelers fitness and conditioning staff throughout training camp, while he mainly worked alongside during team times.
When asked if he would have played on Sunday even without a deal, Watt seemed relieved that he didn’t have to make the decision.
“I’m glad we haven’t gotten to this point,” he said.
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