This offseason has been a pivotal one for the Pittsburgh Steelers, as the organization works to create a balance between remaining competitive in the immediate future, and building a strong foundation for long-term success. The front office has taken a proactive approach, making a series of bold and strategic roster decisions aimed at strengthening the team on both fronts. Some of these moves have already made headlines, while others are still in development behind the scenes, signaling that the Steelers are not done reshaping their roster.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers wide receivers pose for a picture during practice in the 2024 NFL season.
There has been a great deal of attention focused on the ongoing contract negotiations involving star edge rusher TJ Watt. With his current contract set to expire at the end of the upcoming season, these negotiations have become a major storyline this offseason. As one of the league’s most dominant defensive players, retaining Watt is a top priority for the organization, but doing so could have ripple effects that impact other players and decisions on the roster.
Recently, Steelers insider Mark Kaboly shared his insights on this matter during an episode of his podcast, Kaboly + Mack, where he dove deeper into what Watt’s future might mean for the team.
"This may be the last time they have to do this for a while," Kaboly said. "What type of generational player do they have coming up in two or three years? Probably nobody. I think there's a better chance of Minkah [Fitzpatrick] getting cut than getting a $40 million deal next year."
The contract negotiations between the Steelers and Watt have not been going smoothly, and tensions surrounding the situation appear to be growing. Up to this point, Watt has been notably absent from the team’s offseason programs, which has only added to the concern and speculation about his future with the organization. Reports suggest that the primary issue holding back a deal is financial.
Associated Press
Steelers' Minkah Fitzpatrick and TJ Watt look on during a home game in Pittsburgh.
Watt, a six-time All-Pro and one of the most dominant defensive forces in the NFL, is reportedly seeking a contract that matches, or even exceeds, the highest-paid edge rushers in the league. While this is not an unreasonable request given his performance and impact on the field, it presents a significant financial challenge for the Steelers. Matching those market-setting contracts would require a major investment and could have serious implications for the team’s salary cap flexibility and future roster planning.
However, the impact of rising contracts isn’t limited to just Watt, it’s a league-wide thing affecting players at nearly every position. With salaries continuing to skyrocket across the NFL, it's becoming increasingly important for teams to get ahead of the curve and lock in key players before the market value climbs even higher. This trend has made early contract negotiations a critical part of long-term team strategy, as franchises aim to secure talent at more manageable rates before competitors drive prices up. Take Minkah Fitzpatrick, for example, his current contract doesn’t expire until 2027, yet people are already beginning thinking well in advance about his long-term future on the Steelers.
Fitzpatrick is one of the top safeties in the NFL and a key part of the Steelers’ defense. Since joining the team in 2019 through a trade with the Miami Dolphins, he has made a huge impact with his smart play, strong tackling, and ability to create turnovers. Fitzpatrick is known for his leadership on and off the field, and his presence in the secondary gives the Steelers a big advantage. As a multiple-time All-Pro, he’s proven to be one of the best at his position, and his role will continue to be important as the team looks to build a strong defense for the future.
Matthew Sunday
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39).
Steelers Have The Future To Think About
Despite Fitzpatrick’s importance to the team, the growing trend of skyrocketing contracts across the league could end up working against him. If Watt signs a record-breaking deal, it would likely take up a large portion of the Steelers’ salary cap. This could force the organization to make difficult decisions about which players they can afford to keep long-term. With so many key contributors on the roster, the front office will have to carefully weigh who gets extended contracts and who might become too costly to retain, putting players like Fitzpatrick in a potentially uncertain position down the line, despite their value to the team.
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