The Pittsburgh Steelers have been making news throughout the 2025 offseason. It has come in a lot of different ways, as the team has been a part of some blockbuster trades, and the entire pursuit of quarterback Aaron Rodgers alone was a strong topic in the media for months. Now, the Steelers are dealing with trying to get their star outside linebacker TJ Watt to agree to a contract extension. The situation is being monitored closely, but it doesn't seem like the two sides are very close to getting a deal done. That doesn't mean it is anything to worry about, as Watt didn't sign his last extension until the 2021 regular season had almost started.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' TJ Watt gets warmed up before a Christmas Day game in 2024.
The organization only has itself to thank for being in this situation with Watt. The franchise had the chance to extend him during the 2024 offseason, but it decided to wait. Watt's brother JJ Watt has come out and said that was a major mistake by Pittsburgh, as now other edge rushers have gotten paid and reset the market. Myles Garrett signed a new deal during the 2025 offseason and is now the highest-paid non-quarterback in league history, and Watt may be trying to beat that contract. Fans have been getting worried about the holdup on a new deal, and reporter Mike Florio wrote about the situation on Monday night.
"The problem is that the two sides are, we’re told, nowhere close on a new deal," Florio wrote. "Watt, one of the very best defensive players in the game, is ready for any outcome and not afraid to push the issue. Could that push him out of Pittsburgh? In an offseason that has been all about upgrading a one-and-done (at best) roster, removing Watt won’t do much to deliver the franchise’s first playoff win since 2016 — one year before he arrived via Round 1."
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' TJ Watt smiles before Week 12 game against the Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football.
Watt missing out on training camp isn't a huge concern, but Florio alleging that the star defender is ready for any outcome is a bit concerning. That could mean many different things, including missing some of the regular season, or even winding up on a different team. The likelihood of Pittsburgh trading Watt is very, very low however. All moves made during the 2025 offseason seem to point to the organization going all-in on winning in 2025, and trading Watt would be counterproductive.
The defensive leader for Pittsburgh is a true professional, and he will be ready for the season whenever the contract is agreed to. He doesn't necessarily need training camp, and can get ready for the regular season on his own time.
Steelers' TJ Watt Missing Training Camp Isn't The Worst Thing In The World
Watt held-in during training camp back in 2021 before signing his first extension. He was present in Latrobe, but did not participate in any practices. This time around, he is expected to holdout completely, but that shouldn't be a concern. Watt will be ready, as he tied the single-season sack record and won the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year Award the season he held-in during training camp.
NFL.com
Steelers' TJ Watt wins the AP DPOY Award.
Another benefit of Watt missing some or all of training camp is that the younger edge rushers in Pittsburgh will get to see the field more during practices. This includes Nick Herbig and Jack Sawyer. Herbig has already shown he can make an impact in the NFL, while Sawyer will look to carry some momentum from his college career into the NFL.
What do you think of Florio's report about Watt? Let us know in the comments below!
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