In a July 9 article, Watt was named the second-best edge rusher in the NFL by league front office members — the same spot as last year. His highest ranking was No. 1 and his lowest No. 3 on the ballots submitted.

When it comes to the Trey Hendrickson contract saga, the Cincinnati Bengals aren’t impacted too much by the T.J. Watt extension in Pittsburgh. The Steelers hit Watt with a three-year contract worth $123 million with $108 million fully guaranteed. An average of $41 million per year completely resets the edge market.

On Thursday, the news broke that the Pittsburgh Steelers and star edge defender T.J. Watt had agreed to terms on a huge new contract. The new four-year contract has a total value of $144 million, with $123 million in new money and $108 million of that guaranteed. Watt is now the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history on a per-season basis.

Myles Garrett is already the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history, so it's only fitting he is regarded as the best player at his position by people around the league.

ESPN ranked T.J. Watt as the second best edge rusher in the NFL ahead of the 2025 season. Only Myles Garrett ranked ahead of him.