Insider: With Steelers Keep In Mind 1 Key Factor As TJ Watt Negotiations Begin

The Pittsburgh Steelers have had an interesting 2025 offseason, with a lot of moves making headlines. Yet, one of the most significant storylines unfolding involves contract negotiations that could shape the team’s future. While entering the final year of his deal, wide receiver George Pickens was traded amid his own contract talks. Now, attention has turned to another major name: star edge rusher TJ Watt. As one of the key parts of the Steelers’ defense, Watt’s contract situation is under intense scrutiny. With little positive news emerging, many believe the ongoing negotiations between Watt and the Steelers may not be progressing smoothly.

In a recent article for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Steelers insider Gerry Dulac offered his perspective on the ongoing contract negotiations with Watt. Dulac drew a comparison to a similar situation involving defensive teammate Cam Heyward, who signed a contract extension in 2024, suggesting that there may be a familiar pattern playing out when it comes to the decision of an extension.

"Keep in mind, the Steelers reward their key players as much for past performance as they do future projections," Dulac wrote. "They did that last season when they gave defensive end Cam Heyward a new contract at age 35 as he was approaching his 14th NFL season."

Heyward, a key part of the Steelers' defense, is currently under a three-year, $45 million contract extension that he signed in September 2024. This deal includes $29 million in new money, nearly $15 million at signing, and $16 million fully guaranteed. 

In the 2025 season, Heyward is set to earn a base salary of $1.3 million and a roster bonus of $13.45 million, resulting in a cap hit of $19.65 million. The structure of the contract reflects the Steelers' commitment to Heyward while also providing flexibility for future roster decisions.

A Steelers insider recently revealed that the team has made an offer to Watt, but the fact that he has yet to sign an extension suggests something isn’t quite right. Watt’s absence from the team’s offseason programs, which have already begun, adds to the speculation that all is not well. Many believe the holdup is tied to financial factors, particularly as player salaries across the NFL continue to climb, with new deals pushing the market value even higher for stars like Watt.

The NFL’s salary cap has continued to increase over the years, and it's a trend that has completely changed the financial expectations of the league’s top players. While this growth gives teams greater flexibility in managing their rosters, it doesn’t guarantee satisfaction when it comes to the incredibly large price tags attached to top talent. 

To keep their star pass rusher, the Steelers now face the challenge of matching the current market value, while also recognizing Watt’s outstanding abilities, and his importance to the organization as well as the fans. 

If Dulac's prediction holds true, Watt has certainly done more than enough to justify a new contract. Statistically, he remains one of the top performers in the league, which only adds complexity to the current situation. When Watt signed his current deal, he became the highest-paid defensive player in the NFL at the time, showing the Steelers' willingness to invest a lot in their star at one point. That precedent suggests they may be prepared to make a similar commitment again.

The Steelers Could Be Repeating History

It’s clear the Steelers have yet to re-sign Watt. However, this situation isn’t unfamiliar. The last time Watt agreed to his record-breaking deal, it came just days before the regular season kicked off. So, while the current uncertainty may feel tense, the organization still has plenty of time to figure out a deal. Many fans are certainly hoping for an extension, but for now, all they can do is wait and see how things unfold.

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