Insider Expects Steelers to Pay Up to Keep T.J. Watt
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport thinks that the Pittsburgh Steelers aren’t pressed for time when it comes to negotiating a new contract with TJ Watt.
Appearing Monday on The Pat McAfee Show, Rapoport explained that the even with their refusal to negotiate once the season kicks off, Pittsburgh are thoughtful in situations like these.
“When the Steelers have wanted to commit to a guy generally, they have got it done,” he said.
Watt is currently making around $28 million each season and will become an unrestricted free agent next offseason. The market for top-end defensive players like Watt was turned upside down this spring, when the Cleveland Browns signed Myles Garrett to a contract that averages over $40 Million a year, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the entire NFL.
In 2024, Watt registered 61 total tackles, 19 for loss and 11.5 sacks. Garrett put up 47 total tackles, 22 for loss and 14 sacks.
Both guys are always in the NFL Defensive Player of the Year race, and their positions on division rivals only further instigates the competition between the two.
Last week, Watt made a cryptic post on his Instagram story that sparked rumors he was unhappy with his current deal.
“If TJ Watt wants to be paid more than Myles Garrett, I’d say that makes sense…” Rapoport said. “…I would imagine that’s what he’s shooting for.”
On March 5, the Las Vegas Raiders signed their star defensive end Maxx Crosby to a three-year deal worth over $90 million. Rapoport also mentioned that Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons is also seeking a new deal.
He outlined a potential timeline for the Steelers to get a deal done with their superstar.
“A lot of time these deals happen right before training camp. The Steelers have a policy of not negotiating into the season. So right before training camp is the time, and right before the season is the time. So, there is time.”