T.J. Watt has wanted to be a “one-helmet guy” from the second he arrived in Pittsburgh eight years ago. The star outside linebacker took one big step toward that goal on Thursday, agreeing to a new pact that will make him the NFL's highest-paid defender and keep the perennial All-Pro in black-and gold well into his 30s.

The Steelers and All-Pro edge defender agreed to terms on a contract that makes Watt the highest paid non-quarterback in the NFL and he needs to learn how to live that down.

The wait is finally over for T.J. Watt and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Set to head into a contract year, Watt was hoping he and the Steelers’ front office could see eye-to-eye on a new deal that would pay him more money and offer more long-term financial security.