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Watt nearing Strahan's single-season record after 4-sack night vs. Browns

Joe Sargent / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt is in striking distance of Michael Strahan's single-season sack record.

Watt recorded a career-high four sacks Monday night against the Cleveland Browns, putting him at 21.5 on the season. He's now just one shy of tying Strahan's mark.

Strahan's record has stood since the 2001 season, though a few competitors have come close in recent years.

Name Year Sacks
Michael Strahan 2001 22.5
Jared Allen 2011 22
Mark Gastineau 1984 22
Justin Houston 2014 22
T.J. Watt 2021 21.5

Although this season features an extra game, Watt has managed to close in on the all-time record despite missing time with injuries. The 27-year-old has played in 14 contests thus far.

Since being selected by Pittsburgh as a first-round pick in 2017, Watt has recorded 71 sacks across five seasons. The Steelers made Watt the highest-paid defensive player this offseason with a contract averaging just over $28 million per year, according to Spotrac.

The Steelers take on the Baltimore Ravens in Week 18.

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