The Pittsburgh Steelers are clearly looking to make a big push for the 2025 season, as shown by the multiple major moves they have made during the offseason. However, all of that effort will be wasted if they can't agree to terms with star edge rusher TJ Watt. Typically, getting rid of the face of the franchise is the sign of a rebuild as opposed to an "all-in" push. The 30-year-old has previously proven that he would miss all of training camp and preseason to get a deal done, so it could always happen again.

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Steelers edge rusher TJ Watt stands on the field with his hands in the air as the team competes in a professional football game at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA.
While making an appearance on 93.7 The Fan, NFL insider Jeremy Fowler was asked about if the guaranteed money of Myles Garrett had an effect on what Watt was looking for.
"Yes, that is my sense, don't hold me to that, but it is certainly my sense," Fowler explained. "If I had to look back at the deal, Myles Garrett's deal was a classic win-win for both sides because Myles got what he wanted, but the Browns also had some escape hatches in that deal; it was not iron-clad in that it was fully guaranteed. The percentage wasn't outrageous. TJ Watt got a really strong percentage on his last deal, plus the way the market's going... the guarantees are looming large here, I would say. That is a big part of it."
Garrett's latest extension was agreed upon at $40 million per year, with almost $123.6 million in guaranteed money, which is a little above 75% of his total deal. Even though Garrett is only 29, he was not originally due for a new contract until he would hit 30. His previous trade demands just prompted the Cleveland Browns to do business with him early, and that resulted in this league-breaking decision.

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Former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris battles Myles Garrett during a game.
That is especially a problem for the Steelers with Watt. If that deal never got done, Pittsburgh could have likely gotten away with giving the former Defensive Player of the Year an extension worth around $36 million per year with a lot less in guarantees. Now, to try and surpass his rival, he is looking at potentially $42 million per year with around $125 in guarantees.
If Watt is truly focused on guaranteed money, then there's no way the Steelers could give him anything less than a four-year extension unless every last penny is going to him in guarantees. Both parties want him to be a one-helmet guy, and that price tag would almost lock him in as a Steeler for life. Is it truly worth it for a player possibly on the decline though? That's what the team will have to decide.
Steelers Can Try Similar Deal To Get Watt What He Wants
Earlier in the offseason, the Steelers agreed to terms on a new extension with DeShon Elliott. The overall money was low, but most of it was guaranteed, which helped justify the game checks being less than he likely deserves. They could try the same thing with Watt: accept less money overall in exchange for more guarantees.

Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' TJ Watt gets warmed up before Christmas Day game.
Of course, Elliott won't be making nearly as much money as Watt, but the concept is still the same. It could be something like a four-year, $37 million per-year deal, with $125 million guaranteed. He would have the most guarantees by a non-quarterback, it would secure his spot on the team for the next few years, and Pittsburgh would be able to save a little money in cap space.
Of course, Watt was the player to break the Steelers' long-standing tradition of not giving out guarantees past the first year. He took them to the brink once, and he could do it again. There is plenty of uncertainty about how long they will negotiate for, but based on the team's short-term plans, it's safe to say that he will be wearing black and gold in Week 1.
What do you think about Watt's demands? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
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