Steelers Have 100 Million Painful Reasons Why There's A Delay On TJ Watt's Contract Extension

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been the poster child for elite defense their entire history. The team has had no shortage of defensive talent come through their organization. Just in this century, Pittsburgh has had three separate players win the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year honors. While previous winners Troy Polamalu and James Harrison have since retired, the lone active former DPOY, TJ Watt, is awaiting a new contract entering the final year of his deal.

Watt was not present for the team's mandatory minicamp, and with training camp beginning in a just over a month, there is plenty of speculation on whether or not we will see another "hold-in" from the All-Pro. With little details coming out regarding how far along Watt's camp and the Steelers are in discussions, it is tough to say whether or not Watt will have a new contract by the time camp begins. 

NFL insider James Palmer was able to give a little insight into the minds of what the Steelers' front office might be thinking as they navigate an extension for the 31-year-old edge rusher on Bleacher Report's YouTube channel. 

"The issue with this is this is a big swing with Aaron Rodgers," Palmer explained. "They know how important the defense is going to be, they know they need TJ Watt, and a deal is most likely going to get done. But the Steelers' argument is this: that Watt and the defense kind of fell off a little bit the back end of last year. He's had some injuries; he's battled through them. He's going to be 31 years old. Do you give $100 million guaranteed to somebody like that? I think that's where this battle's going to happen, but I think a deal is going to end up happening."

Palmer is suggesting that the Steelers are at least considering the idea of a life without Watt -- citing his injury history and the complete falloff of the team's overall defense throughout the back half of last season. While this part is a bit shocking, he follows it up by saying that a deal will most likely get done. However, the amount of money Watt receives and the timing of the deal is uncertain. 

There are lots of things you can take away from this quote, but one thing truly sticks out. This deal between Watt and the Steelers will likely get done, but it seems hard to imagine that this deal is close, considering Watt's absence at minicamp this past week. Not only that, the Steelers have obvious concerns about Watt's health and age and that will be a key factor in not only the money Watt gets, but how soon the deal gets done. Many players in similar situations prioritize the guaranteed money aspect, and that may truly be the ultimate holdup currently.

Steelers Will Continue To Have Elite Defensive Unit In 2025

Watt is not the only player the Steelers are currently looking to extend. The recent extension of safety DeShon Elliott proves that they believe the team has additional key pieces that they'd like to keep in place for years to come. Elliott fits that mold as he had a surprisingly exceptional first season in Pittsburgh last year.

The Steelers continue to invest in the defensive side of the ball through extensions and through the NFL Draft. Selecting Derrick Harmon in the first round this past April, ensuring they have a succession plan for Cam Heyward, was also a key priority this offseason. With a team that was tied for the league lead in forcing turnovers this past season with the Buffalo Bills, and adding veteran talents like Darius Slay, it's hard to imagine a world where the Steelers' defense doesn't continue to thrive as Watt enters his 30s. 

When do you think Watt and the Steelers will come to an agreement on an extension? Let us know in the comments below!

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