Ben Roethlisberger throws support behind T.J. Watt in contract negotiations with Steelers

The highest-paid player in Pittsburgh Steelers history wants T.J. Watt to join him at the upper echelon of the tax bracket.

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said Wednesday that Watt, who is engaged on a mega-contract extension with the franchise, deserves to be the NFL’s highest-paid defensive player.

“I think T.J. should get whatever the heck he wants,” Roethlisberger said after morning meetings at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. “He’s arguably the best football player in the game right now. Not just on defense, in general.”

Watt is seeking a deal that could exceed the six-year, $141 million that the Chicago Bears gave pass rusher Khalil Mack in 2018. Los Angeles Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa signed a contract last season that has an average annual value of $27 million.

The sticking point in the Watt negotiations appears to be the amount of guaranteed money the Steelers are willing to offer. Aside from the signing bonus, the franchise doesn’t guarantee money beyond the first season. They are one of the few NFL teams to adopt that stance.

Roethlisberger has earned $253 million through 17 seasons with the Steelers. In 2019, he signed a two-year contract that contained a $37.5 million signing bonus and reportedly contained $30 million in injury guarantees.

This year, Roethlisberger’s reworked deal is worth $14 million and included a $5 million pay cut.

“One of the reasons I took less money was for guys like him to get paid,” Roethlisberger said. “And he needs to get paid. He deserves every penny that he wants and asks for. T.J. Watt is that guy who should get whatever he wants.”

Roethlisberger said Watt’s value to the roster can’t be understated. Watt led all NFL pass rushers last year with 15 sacks and 23 tackles for loss. He has 49.5 sacks and has missed just two games in four seasons.

“He’s the defensive player of the year,” Roethlisberger said, ignoring Aaron Donald’s win last year. “I mean, he is. Everyone in this locker room understands and knows that. He should understand and know that. The problem is when you negotiate a contract, it’s not always two sides. When the bosses and higher-ups are in charge, there’s only so much you can do.

“We all feel bad for T.J. Everyone knows how bad he wants to be out there. The guy was here every single day, and he probably didn’t need to be. He’s working and busting his butt. He should get taken care of.”

Watt has not missed a practice since training camp began in July, although he has not taken part in any 7-on-7 or 11-on-11 work. Watt’s participation has been limited to individual reps and conditioning work.

Coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday that he expects Watt to practice in the days leading up to the season opener Sunday at Buffalo.

Watt is under contract for $10.089 million this year, which is the amount of the fifth-year option the Steelers exercised before the 2020 season. If no extension is reached, the Steelers could use the franchise tag on Watt in the offseason to keep him from reaching free agency.

“There are a lot of young guys who don’t understand the process because they haven’t been through it,” Roethlisberger said. “That’s why I’m able to speak for T.J. a little bit and talk to him. The feeling in the room is mutual in the sense that we all know how great he is and what he deserves. Everyone on this level, at least.”