Since the Pittsburgh Steelers selected TJ Watt in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, there has always been whispers amongst Steeler Nation that the team needed to bring in his big brother JJ Watt. The eldest Watt is of course one of the most dominant defensive linemen to ever play the sport. Among his many accolades, he's won three NFL Defensive Player of the Year Awards, named to five Pro Bowls and picked to be on seven All-Pro teams.
Credit: Sporting News
When JJ first became a free agent in 2020, tons of fans clamored for the Steelers to make a push for him. He ultimately decided to head to Arizona where he would spend the 2021, and 2022 season before announcing his retirement.
Throughout the past couple of years, there has been a few details here and there about whether their was interest by the Steelers, or even JJ himself. During an interview this fall with Pardon My Take, TJ briefly touched on the situation.
"When [JJ] was leaving Houston, he was in like, true free agency. It was brushed on briefly, but when it comes down to the numbers of things, you realize it's not very likely."
Thinking back to the 2021 offseason, the Steelers were very cash strapped. That's likely what TJ was hinting at and a main reason why the team couldn't have a serious conversation with JJ.
After JJ announced his retirement, he claimed that he was now 'all in' on the Steelers. Meaning that he was now a Steelers fan. Of course, at that point Derek and TJ were still on the team. But it appears set now that the team won't bring back Derek as he remains a free agent and the team hasn't had any contract discussions with him. Last week they signed an undrafted free agent full back and handed out Derek's #44 to free agent signee Tanner Muse.
AP
Steelers new special teams ace, Tanner Muse.
JJ had been pretty quiet on the Steelers talk for the past few months, but lately he has seemed to be engaging the Steelers topic quite frequently on social media. Barstool star Jersey Jerry recently tweeted out a photo of JJ wearing a Steelers uniform saying, "what could've been."
they are some badass uniforms.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) May 4, 2023
bring back the block numbers tho.
JJ responded appropriately. Because, yes, the Steelers uniforms are amazing. But then came a more poignant post from JJ. Head Coach Mike Tomlin graced social media on Thursday and went into an in-depth explanation of why the team loves siblings. This comes on the heels of the team selecting Nick Herbig, the brother of free agent signee Nate Herbig. Then besides the Watts', there's been Terrell and Trey Edmunds, Carlos and Khalil Davis, and years before that, Karlos and Vince Williams. We also can't forget Cam and Connor Heyward.
incredible coach & incredible man.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) May 5, 2023
There’s a reason your players would run thru a brick wall for you.
Been a pleasure hearing Derek & TJ share stories about you and your leadership.
Hope to come visit sometime if you’ll have me.#TheStandardIsTheStandard
There isn't a lot to read into what JJ says here. He said exactly what we've been hearing for years now. Everyone always comes back to the same term, 'run thru a brick wall for you.' There is the outside chance that the more time JJ spends with TJ, the more of an itch he gets to return to the field for one last run. According to their social media, the two have been spending tons of time together this offseason, and anyone that loves the game as much as the Watts' do, you can't just turn that off.
As a response to JJ's post, Tomlin offered up an invitation good for any time to come visit.
Would love to have you come to the facility. You are welcome anytime.
— Mike Tomlin (@CoachTomlin) May 5, 2023
One can only dream at this point of seeing JJ and TJ line up together in a Steelers uniform. But I think it's safe to say that if the itch does keep growing this summer, that the Steelers would be the top landing spot for JJ. Let's hope JJ gets very itchy in the new few months.
