T.J. Watt has made history with his three-year, $123 million contract extension with Pittsburgh — and one Steelers legend has weighed in on the blockbuster move.

While some have scoffed at paying a soon-to-be 31-year-old defender an average salary of $41 million, ex-Steelers safety turned ESPN analyst Ryan Clark doesn’t share that mindset, arguing Watt earned every penny of his massive payday.

“You did what you were supposed to do, by giving T.J. Watt what he’s earned, and what he has the potential to produce on the field for you,” Clark said, via NFL Live on ESPN. “…Man, you had to do this. T.J. Watt earned this contract. You’re taking care of all these people that aren’t lifelong Pittsburgh Steelers. You’re going to get this sort of production from T.J. Watt this year, next year, and the year after. As long as he’s healthy and he’s on the field, you know what he produces. You also know the way this equates to wins for this team.”

Clark hit the nail right on the head — because Watt’s stats don’t lie. In a defender’s first eight seasons in the league, Watt ranks third with 108 sacks — just behind legends DeMarcus Ware and Reggie White.

Despite his statistical success, Watt has yet to win a postseason game — a point doubters love to bring up. But that could change in 2025, as the Steelers boast a stacked roster following a flurry of high-profile signings and trades this offseason — and will look to make a deep playoff push.

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This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers legend Ryan Clark defends T.J. Watt as highest-paid non-QB