NFL NEWS: After Rejecting Pittsburgh Steelers New $128.6 million 4-year offer 2 hours ago, it is confirmed and announced by the Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin that the franchise Linebacker T.J Watts has formally accepted a move to the Chicago Bears on a 3-year, $105.4 million deal after a long Extensive negotiation with the Chicago Bears general manager during….?? see more………
PITTSBURGH, PA – June 29, 2025 — In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the NFL community, Pittsburgh Steelers franchise linebacker T.J. Watt has officially parted ways with the team that drafted him, opting instead to join the Chicago Bears on a lucrative three-year, $105.4 million deal.
This breaking news comes just hours after Watt reportedly turned down a massive four-year, $128.6 million contract extension from the Steelers. The decision was confirmed by Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during an unscheduled press conference held early Sunday evening at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.
“T.J. has been a cornerstone of our defense and a true leader on and off the field,” said Tomlin. “While we are deeply disappointed, we respect his decision and wish him the very best as he begins a new chapter in Chicago.”
Sources close to the situation indicate that negotiations between Watt’s representatives and the Chicago Bears front office, led by General Manager Ryan Poles, had been ongoing for several weeks. Discussions reportedly intensified over the past 72 hours, following signs that Watt was unhappy with contract structure details in Pittsburgh’s final offer — particularly regarding guaranteed money and performance escalators.
The deal with Chicago is said to include a record-setting $72 million guaranteed, making Watt one of the highest-paid defensive players in NFL history on an annual basis. While the total value of the Bears’ offer was slightly less than Pittsburgh’s, the guaranteed portion and shorter contract length were more appealing to Watt, giving him future flexibility.
Watt, 30, has been a dominant force since entering the league in 2017. A former Defensive Player of the Year and six-time Pro Bowler, he leaves Pittsburgh as the franchise’s all-time sack leader with 102.5 sacks over eight seasons. His impact on the Steelers’ defense cannot be overstated, often being the driving force behind the team’s top-tier defensive rankings in recent years.
The Chicago Bears, under second-year head coach Matt Eberflus, are aggressively rebuilding their defense and view Watt as a transformative presence. The franchise has made several splashy moves in free agency, and Watt’s arrival is expected to immediately elevate the Bears into playoff contention in the NFC North.
“T.J. Watt is the kind of player who changes games — and entire seasons,” said GM Ryan Poles in a statement released moments after the deal was announced. “He brings intensity, leadership, and a relentless motor that defines greatness. We’re thrilled to welcome him to Chicago.”
Fans in Pittsburgh are already mourning the departure, with social media flooded by reactions ranging from shock to appreciation. Meanwhile, Bears fans are celebrating the acquisition of a true game-changer.
As the NFL offseason continues to unfold, T.J. Watt’s blockbuster move to Chicago will likely go down as one of the most pivotal deals of the 2025 season. All eyes will now turn to training camp, where Watt is expected to make his first public appearance in a Bears uniform in just a few weeks.
