Former Steelers GM Candidate Doug Whaley Noted That TJ Watt Could Be Injury-Prone For The Rest Of His Career

The biggest question this offseason for the Pittsburgh Steelers has been whether or not they would re-sign outside linebacker Alex Highsmith. Well, on Wednesday, July 19th, the Steelers were finally able to get the contract done. The contract that Highsmith will get is for $68 million over a span of four years. 

Highsmith was the Steelers third-round pick in 2020 and has only continued to grow like a first-rounder. Last year was his most impressive as he recorded 63 tackles, 14.5 sacks, and five forced fumbles which was tied for the most in the NFL. He should only continue to grow throughout the rest of his career and is a very good Robin to the Batman of TJ Watt.

The Steelers Noticed A Big Difference

Watt has raised some questions recently as well. During the 2022 season, he had to miss a stretch of games due to a torn pectoral muscle. The Steelers noticed a big difference from when he was in games to when he wasn't. They looked like a completely different team when the presence of Watt was on the field. He even helped them make a push into almost getting into the playoffs.

Sadly, for Steelers fans, there is a possibility that Watt could suffer more injuries in the future. In comparison to his Hall of Fame brother JJ Watt, injuries hurt about four years of his career, with most of them happening towards the end of his career. Now this isn't a certainty that TJ will suffer injuries throughout the rest of his career, but it is a possibility.

Former Buffalo Bills general manager and former Steelers pro personnel coordinator Doug Whaley commented on this possibility. He was recently on the 93.7 The Fan Morning Show where he mentioned that the history of JJ toward the end of his career could look the same for TJ injury-wise. Whaley did note that this is not guaranteed to happen and more so a possibility.

"If you look at the history, and I'm not saying this will happen, but TJ got injured last year and the year before. If you look at his brother, this is the time of his career where those injuries started to happen more often and more frequently than not."

Whaley would comment on this just after the Steelers and Highsmith got the extension done. Highsmith is only 25 years old and will be just now going into the prime of his career. Having him and Watt together for the future should help the Steelers have one of the most elite defenses in the NFL. Whaley also commented on an idea that as Watt gets older, they don't have to rely on him 100% of the snaps. So, hopefully, he can get more breaks in the future and when he is on the field, he gives the same level of intensity that he does now.

"You have a dynamic duo that will be together for four years." He then said, "At least now you have someone that can pick up the slack. Maybe you don't have to play TJ Watt 100% of the snaps and you hopefully get that same production."

This season, however, fans' expectations for Watt shouldn't change. With no current injuries and no looming contract extension, Watt should be able to just go out there and play football this season with no worries. The extension of Highsmith, as well as many other additions to the defense this offseason should also help take some of the pressure off the Steelers superstar.

So, what do you think, Steeler Nation? Will Watt be injury-prone for the rest of his career? Let me know in the comments below!

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