The Pittsburgh Steelers have a ton of changes that need to be made during the 2025 offseason, but there is also a lot that is going to remain the same. The coaching staff is expected to remain intact, although there has to be some major philosophical changes coming in order for the team to succeed. The key stars on the defensive side of the ball are all going to be back as well, however TJ Watt is entering the final year of his contract extension. Pittsburgh needs to decide whether or not it wants Watt to remain with the Steelers past the 2025 season, as he will turn 31-years old in October.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' TJ Watt smiles before Week 12 game against the Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football.
Ahead of the 2021 season, Watt signed a four-year extension worth $112 million. The 2025 season is the last year of that deal, which means Watt would become an unrestricted free agent if he and the organization cannot come to terms on a new extension. The two sides can come to terms on a new extension during the 2025 offseason, and Team President Art Rooney II spoke to the media on Monday where he made it clear that extending Watt was a priority.
Art Rooney said that the organization wants to look to extending T.J. Watt during the offseason.
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) January 27, 2025
Watt has been the best player on the Steelers roster for quite some time now. He is one of the best game-wreckers in the NFL and he is a finalist for the league's Defensive Player of the Year Award once again, after winning the award during the 2021 season. His impact is hard to measure, as he sees extra offensive attention on nearly every snap. There is no doubt that the organization needs to do their best to extend him, but he may look to win elsewhere.
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Steelers' TJ Watt during Week 7 of 2024 against the New York Jets on Sunday Night Football.
There is one clear blemish on Watt's resume, and that is the fact that he has never won a playoff game, despite being drafted all the way back in 2017. Throughout his career, he has made the playoffs five times, but the Steelers are winless in those games. The star outside linebacker has been very vocal about how important it is to him to win a playoff game, and more specifically, go on a deep playoff run.
After the constant failures by Pittsburgh when it comes to seeing success in the playoffs, it is fair to assume that Watt may have some doubt in his mind about whether or not this organization can get the job done. The coaching staff seems to be stuck in its ways, and no significant changes seem to be on the horizon.
The Steelers are without a quarterback and the wide receiver position is concerning. It is hard to win in the NFL if those are two of your teams biggest problems. If Watt wanted to play out his current deal and then test free agency, it would make complete sense.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' TJ Watt gets warmed up before a Christmas Day game in 2024.
Steelers May Be Able To Get A Hometown Discount On TJ Watt's Next Extension
Watt is currently one of the highest-paid defensive players in the league, so he eats up a decent chunk of the cap. According to Spotrac, Watt's market value currently sits at $30.1 million per year, and they project his next deal would look something like a four-year, $120 million extension. This is a serious financial commitment, especially for a player who will be turning 31-years old in less than a year.
The defensive star wants to win, and the best way to do that is to allow the team to build a decent roster. He could take a deal that is slightly less than what he is projected in order to allow the organization to spend money elsewhere.
What do you think about giving Watt a new extension? Comment below.
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