Pittsburgh Steelers star pass rusher T.J. Watt is entering the final year of his current contract, and talks for a potential extension are beginning to heat up. While Watt is widely recognized as one of the best at his position, contract negotiations with the team could become strained. The Steelers have yet to lock in an extension, and the delay may cost them, as the market for top defensive players has recently shifted.
A major factor complicating the situation is a recent contract signed by Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett. Garrett secured a four-year, $160 million deal, significantly raising the bar for elite pass rushers. This new benchmark puts pressure on Pittsburgh to offer Watt a comparable contract, especially considering his consistent production and impact on the field.
Steelers management, led by general manager Omar Khan, is known for taking a patient approach in contract talks. However, in this case, waiting may work against them. Watt is currently earning just over $28 million per year, making him the seventh-highest-paid pass rusher in the league. If Pittsburgh wants to retain him, they’ll likely need to offer a deal in the range of Garrett’s $40 million per year.
According to Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the issue isn’t whether Watt deserves the money, but rather the reality of the market. Fittipaldo explained that in the NFL, teams often must choose between paying a player market value or moving on. He added that while it’s hard to imagine the Steelers parting ways with Watt, things could change quickly if negotiations turn contentious.
As the 2025 season approaches, the Steelers must decide how far they’re willing to go to keep their defensive cornerstone. Watt remains a critical part of the team’s success, and losing him would be a major blow. Whether the two sides can reach an agreement before the situation escalates remains to be seen, but the pressure is clearly mounting.
