TJ Watt’s July extension ($123M over three years, $108M guaranteed) made him NFL’s highest-paid non-quarterback at $41M annually.
Pittsburgh acquired DK Metcalf through March trade from Seattle signing him to five-year $150M deal. Aaron Rodgers joined Steelers via June signing on one-year $13.65M contract featuring playoff incentives after Jets release.
Pittsburgh maintains $4.1 million current flexibility ranking 29th NFL. Cameron Heyward ($14.8M), Jalen Ramsey ($19.5M), Patrick Queen ($14.2M) anchor veteran-heavy roster.
Steelers project modest next-season space requiring extension decisions.
Pittsburgh Steelers player biography and net worth information available for complete roster.
| Quarterbacks (QB) | Running Backs (RB) | Wide Receivers (WR) |
| Will Howard | Kenneth Gainwell | Calvin Austin III |
| Mason Rudolph | Evan Hull | Brandon Johnson |
| Skylar Thompson | Max Hurleman | Montana Lemonious-Craig |
| Kaleb Johnson | Lance McCutcheon | |
| Cordarrelle Patterson | DK Metcalf | |
| Trey Sermon | Scotty Miller | |
| Jonathan Ward | Ben Skowronek | |
| Jaylen Warren | Roc Taylor | |
| Ke’Shawn Williams | ||
| Roman Wilson | ||
| Robert Woods |
Watt Extension Resets Defensive Market
Thirty-one-year-old edge rusher’s deal surpasses previous non-QB record. His $41M AAV eclipses Maxx Crosby ($35.5M) establishing new premium for pass rushers. Structure includes $44M current season earnings making him league’s second-highest paid defensive player behind Chris Jones.
| Player | Position | Cap Hit | Contract AAV | Through |
| T.J. Watt | EDGE | $44M | $41M | 2028 |
| D.K. Metcalf | WR | $35M | $30M | 2030 |
| Jalen Ramsey | CB | $19.5M | $24M | 2027 |
| Cameron Heyward | DT | $14.8M | $16M | This season |
| Patrick Queen | LB | $14.2M | $13.7M | 2028 |
| Aaron Rodgers | QB | $13.65M | One-year deal | This season |
| Donte Jackson | CB | $12.4M | $9.5M | 2026 |
| Broderick Jones | OT | $7.2M | Rookie year 3 | 2027 |
| Joey Porter Jr. | CB | $5.8M | Rookie year 3 | 2027 |
| Beanie Bishop | S | $4.1M | Rookie year 2 | 2028 |
Metcalf’s March acquisition cost second-round pick plus immediate extension. His five-year $150M contract features $90M guaranteed through 2027 creating team-friendly escape after three years. Structure allows $26.5M cap savings if released post-June 2027.
Rodgers’ June signing includes $10M bonus plus $3.65M base. His playoff incentives ($500K per round) plus potential fifth MVP bonus ($1.5M) create maximum $15.65M earnings. Age-42 quarterback’s 1,969 yards and 19 TDs through 10 games justify low-risk veteran addition.
Watt’s $50M Net Worth Journey
Seven-time Pro Bowler built wealth through $155M career earnings. His 2017 #30 overall selection generated $9.25M rookie contract before consecutive extensions ($112M in 2021, $123M current) established generational security. Endorsements with Capital One, GameBreaker Sports, Panini generate $1M+ annually.
| Player | Est. Net Worth | Career Earnings | Key Achievement |
| T.J. Watt | $40M-$50M | $155M+ | 2021 DPOY |
| D.K. Metcalf | $18M-$25M | $55M+ | Three Pro Bowls |
| Aaron Rodgers | $200M+ | $373M career | Four-time MVP |
| Cameron Heyward | $30M-$40M | $108M+ | Six Pro Bowls |
| Jalen Ramsey | $50M | $125M+ | Three All-Pros |
Metcalf accumulated $18-25M through Seattle tenure ($13.9M rookie deal plus incentives) before Pittsburgh extension. His 6,560 career yards averaging 1,092 yearly justify $30M AAV receiver market ranking seventh NFL.
Rodgers’ $200M+ net worth stems from $373M career NFL earnings ranking second all-time. His State Farm partnership alone generated $100M+ lifetime demonstrating off-field income surpassing football compensation during prime years.
Next Season Cap Constraints
Pittsburgh projects $15M available space requiring difficult extension decisions. Watt’s escalation to $41M combined with Metcalf’s rising charges create elite talent cost. Heyward’s expiring deal ($14.8M final year) represents biggest cap decision.
Extension Priorities: Broderick Jones (fifth-year option decision), Joey Porter Jr (extension eligible after third season) creating manageable rookie-scale transitions.
Dead Cap Minimal: Current penalties total $6.6M representing clean books. Smart contract structuring avoids perpetual void year charges unlike teams carrying $40M+ burdens.
FAQs
Who is Pittsburgh’s highest-paid player?
TJ Watt carries $44M current earnings through three-year $123M extension ($41M AAV, $108M guaranteed). His deal makes him NFL’s highest-paid non-quarterback surpassing previous record demonstrating elite pass rusher market value.
What is DK Metcalf’s contract worth?
Metcalf signed five-year $150M extension ($30M AAV, $90M guaranteed through 2027) after March trade from Seattle. Structure enables $26.5M cap savings if released post-June 2027 creating team-friendly escape valve after prime years.
How much is Aaron Rodgers making?
Rodgers earns $13.65M base ($10M bonus plus $3.65M salary) with playoff incentives reaching $15.65M maximum. His age-42 season produces 1,969 yards and 19 TDs through 10 games justifying low-risk veteran quarterback addition.
What is T.J. Watt’s net worth?
Watt’s $40-50M wealth stems from $155M career earnings including current extension. His seven Pro Bowls and 2021 DPOY award establish elite credentials with endorsements (Capital One, GameBreaker) generating $1M+ annually beyond football.
