Pittsburgh Steelers Steelers News
T.J. Watt Has No Interest In Leaving Steelers: ‘I Want To Be Part Of The Solution’
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt will be entering the final year of his deal next season, but he doesn't want to play anywhere else.
PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt has yet to win a playoff game in his eight-year NFL career, but he reaffirmed his commitment to the team on Monday.
The 30-year-old will be entering the final year of his deal next season, but he’s not planning to jump ship anytime soon.
“I want to be a Pittsburgh Steeler,” Watt said. “You guys know that. I don’t want to leave this place. I want to be part of the solution. I’ve put so much into it here.”
Watt signed a four-year extension worth $112 million in 2021, but with just one year remaining on that contract, he will likely want some kind of reassurance this offseason.
The Steelers, of course, should look to extend him, but the team has many questions following yet another on-and-done trip to the postseason.
Some may believe that could force Watt to evaluate options elsewhere, but he revealed his confidence in the team has not wavered.
“I feel like we have the pieces,” Watt said. “It’s what I said a week ago going into the game. It doesn’t change just because of the loss. I still have a lot of belief in the people in this building because I see the work that’s behind the scenes.”
Another reason why Watt wants to return next season is to help some of the veterans on the team earn the championship they deserve.
Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward may be the most deserving of the group, but Watt says those deserving go beyond the locker room.
“I want to help Cam Heyward get to where we need to get,’ Watt said. “I don’t want to leave this place. I love the people here, and that goes beyond just the coaches. It’s the fanbase. It’s the people, the community. We owe it to them to get it right and I want to be part of the solution.”
The Steelers don’t have any answers less than 48 hours removed from their wild-card loss to the Baltimore Ravens, but on thing is for sure: It will be another offseason full of change.
“The group never looks the same. That’s the tough thing about this business,” Watt said. “Made a lot of new friends, great relationships this year.”
Watt, however, will not be among that change, and good thing after putting together yet another great season in which he registered 61 tackles, 11.5 sacks, six forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and four passes defensed.
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