The Steelers have committed significant money to outside additions but have delayed progress on a new deal for linebacker TJ Watt, casting uncertainty over his future with the team. While the front office insists they don’t plan to trade him, that kind of statement has often signaled an eventual deal in the NFL.
It’s still unclear how things will unfold with Watt and the Steelers, and no outcome should catch anyone off guard. According to NFL insider Mike Florio, contract talks have stalled, and there’s no sign of progress at this stage.
“The problem is that the two sides are, we’re told, nowhere close on a new deal. TJ Watt, one of the very best defensive players is the game, is ready for any outcome and not afraid to push the issue,” Florio wrote on his article for NBC Sports.
Watt doesn’t appear close to snapping Pittsburgh’s playoff skid, which stretches back to 2016 — the season before he entered the league as a first-round pick. He’s demanding a hefty extension, reportedly in the range of $40 million per year, according to NFL Network.
TJ Watt and the Steelers
With no deal in place, TJ Watt skipped the Steelers’ offseason workouts. As training camp approaches in late July, the urgency to reach an agreement continues to build.
The real decision is whether the team plans to move him for short-term upgrades or flip him for draft picks to climb the board and target a potential franchise quarterback in the 2026 draft.
The Steelers are entering training camp with plenty of fresh additions to the roster. The most notable is Aaron Rodgers, who signed a one-year contract to become the team’s new starting quarterback.
Talks with Rodgers stretched out over several months, which may have slowed progress on a potential deal with Watt. Then on Monday, the Steelers made another splash, completing a trade with the Miami Dolphins that brought in multiple players — most notably veteran cornerback Jalen Ramsey.
TJ Watt remains one of the Steelers’ top defensive forces, finishing the 2024 season with 11.5 sacks and 61 combined tackles. However, the team must look beyond 2025. With a clear need for a young quarterback, The Steelers might consider trading Watt if it gives them the draft capital to finally secure a true successor to Terry Bradshaw and Ben Roethlisberger.
