The Pittsburgh Steelers have certainly been no stranger to the media headlines this offseason with blockbuster trades, as well as key acquisitions across multiple position groups. With all the movement, the current roster looks almost completely different compared to last season’s. However, while much of the attention has been on new faces joining the team, the Steelers are also working hard behind the scenes to keep one specific player who they believe is a key part of the organization. Amidst the changes, keeping this player in Pittsburgh for the long haul appears to be a priority.
Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2025 minicamp, Wednesday June 11, 2025.
This player is none other than star edge rusher TJ Watt, one of the most dominant defensive players in the NFL. Watt is currently in the middle of contract negotiations, as his current contract is set to expire at the end of the upcoming season. Given his impact on and off the field, his future with the team has quickly become a hot topic of conversation.
Recently, former Pro Bowl linebacker LaVar Arrington addressed the situation on an episode of the 2 Pros & a Cup of Joe podcast. During it, Arrington didn’t hold back, stating that re-signing Watt isn't just a priority for the Steelers, it's a necessity.
"If TJ Watt were to go, I don’t know, that would be a total meltdown," Arrington said. "I think the pressure to sign TJ Watt is higher than it would ever be right now. They’re going to sign TJ Watt, whether they like it or not. The Pittsburgh Steelers are going to sign TJ Watt. They have no other recourse but to sign TJ Watt."
Many fans would likely agree with that sentiment that failing to re-sign Watt would be nothing short of a disaster for the Steelers. Watt isn’t just a fan favorite, he’s a franchise player, a leader in the locker room, and a vital part of the team’s defensive identity. Despite this, negotiations have appeared to not be going so well, as no official agreement has been reached with the season quickly approaching. According to reports, the Steelers do have an offer on the table, but it reportedly falls short of Watt’s financial expectations.
It has also been reported that Watt is aiming to either match or surpass the massive deal signed earlier this offseason by Cleveland Browns star edge rusher, Myles Garrett. Garrett’s contract extension came in at four years, worth a whopping $160 million, which is averaging around $40 million per year, making him the highest-paid defensive player in the NFL annually. Given Watt’s comparable production, accolades, and impact on the field, it makes sense that he would want a similar, if not more.
AP Photo / Matt Durisko
Steelers' TJ Watt meets with Browns' Myles Garrett after a game.
While this kind of contract would certainly be a significant financial commitment, it’s not out of reach for the Steelers. With the team still having some cap space flexibility, re-signing Watt at that level is financially possible, it just comes down to whether the front office is willing to meet that number. At the end of the day, the NFL is still a business, and right now, things don’t seem to be working out. If progress isn’t being made, then either something in the negotiation process needs to change, or a decision will have to be made regarding the next steps.
The Steelers And Watt Seem To Want The Same Outcome
It seems that Watt wants to stay in Pittsburgh, and the Steelers are just as eager to keep him around for the long haul. Add in the fact that a majority of Steeler Nation is strongly behind keeping Watt in Pittsburgh, and it’s easy to see how valued he is across the board. However, as much as there’s mutual interest, again, the NFL is still a business, and Watt understandably wants to make sure he’s being paid fairly for his value, especially given what he brings to the team year after year.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' TJ Watt smiles before Week 12 game against the Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football.
The Steelers have taken a similar approach with Watt in the past, waiting until the very last minute to finalize his previous extension, which came just about 48 hours before the season kicked off last time. With that in mind, there's still time to get a deal done. However, with other top edge rushers also seeking new contracts and potentially driving up the market value, the Steelers would be smart not to wait too long this time around.
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