T.J. Watt’s patience may have been wearing thin, but eventually paid off as the Pittsburgh Steelers made him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.

The veteran edge rusher was made to sit and wait while others at his position — and often less accomplished — got rewarded, either by their existing employer or via free agency. AFC North rival Myles Garrett remained the target, however, and the two sides finally came to an agreement on a massive three-year, $123m extension that takes Watt marginally ahead of the Cleveland Browns star, by $1m a season. Moreover, Watt also surpasses another divisional rival, as his deal betters Cincinnati receiver Ja’Marr Chase’s $40.3m average as the best for anyone not playing under center.

The seven-time Pro Bowler can now focus on producing for a Steelers defense that was bolstered in free agency, and once more rivalling Garrett as a potential Defensive Player of the Year.