T.J. Watt is about to enter the ultimate 12 months of his contract, and with the pass-rusher hooked up to a $30M cap hit for 2025, there have been some rumblings that the Steelers may look to maneuver on from their franchise star. Art Rooney was fast to dismiss that concept, because the Steelers proprietor mentioned the group wasn’t contemplating parting with Watt.
“I’d must put it within the ‘unlikely’ class,” Rooney mentioned (h/t Nick Farabaugh of PennLive.com). “He’s actually been one of many actual, strong items we have now on that protection. I feel he’s the sort of man we need to have within the locker room going ahead.”
Rooney additionally mentioned he’d be interested by extending the veteran pass-rusher (via Mark Kaboly), additional indication that Watt will likely be sticking in Pittsburgh long-term. An extension at all times appeared just like the likeliest path ahead; the entrance workplace may scale back Watt’s impending cap hit (and, doubtlessly, his $21M in true earnings) by handing the star one other long-term pact.
Watt is about to conclude his second contract with the group, a four-year, $112M deal he inked in 2021. The previous first-round choose has typically been value each penny. Whereas he was restricted to 10 video games and career-worst marks in the course of the first season of his extension, he’s rebounded by compiling 30.5 sacks and 38 tackles for loss over the previous two campaigns. That features a recently-completed 2024 season the place he led the NFL with six compelled fumbles.
Micah Parsons, Myles Garrett and Trey Hendrickson may all look to reset the edge-rusher market this offseason, and Watt’s subsequent deal may very well be a mirrored image of these pacts. The Steelers star at the moment ranks fourth amongst edge rushers with a $28M common annual worth, and whereas he could possibly garner related financials on his subsequent deal, the contract’s time period will certainly be a sticking level between the 2 sides. The 2025 marketing campaign will signify Watt’s age-31 season, and with the Steelers doubtlessly centered on enhancing the offensive aspect of the ball, the group could also be pinching pennies on protection.
For what it’s value, Watt not too long ago made it clear that he wants to stick in Pittsburgh for the remainder of his profession. On the flip aspect, the four-time All-Professional famous he’s uncertain of how long he plans on playing in the NFL, so there’s an opportunity his subsequent contract finally ends up being the ultimate deal of his profession.
