Steelers May Use This Controversial Option To Keep TJ Watt Amid Contract Negotiations

The Pittsburgh Steelers have made a lot of big and bold moves this offseason that have dramatically changed the look of the roster. From unexpected trades to key free agent signings, the front office has kept fans on their toes with one surprising decision after another. These aggressive changes has made for a lot of excitement and optimism among the fan base, who are eager to see how this new team will do. Now that many of the major roster gaps have been addressed, the focus is beginning to shift inward toward fixing internal issues and tying up any remaining loose ends before the season begins.

One of the biggest unresolved issues remaining is the ongoing contract negotiation with star edge rusher TJ Watt. As he enters the final year of his current deal, the timing for an extension has begun, but so far, negotiations don’t appear to be going smoothly. Recently, Steelers Insider Mark Kaboly appeared on 93.7 The Fan, where he offered some insight into the situation and revealed what the team’s potential backup plan could look like if a deal isn’t reached soon, and that is the possibility of a franchise tag. When asked if the Steelers would use the franchise tag on Watt, Kaboly had a surprising response. 

"I don't think they want to do it, but they've said it a number of times, that it's a tool they can have at their disposal if they had to do it," Kaboly said. 

Most players aren’t big fans of being hit with a franchise tag. In the NFL, it’s a tool teams use to hold onto a player who’s set to become a free agent, keeping them for one more season. The tag guarantees a one-year deal with a salary based on the top earners at that player’s position. While it gives the team more time to work out a long-term contract or avoid losing the player outright, it can limit the player’s ability to test the open market and secure a multi-year deal.

The franchise tag is often considered a last resort for teams that are at risk of losing a key player, but haven’t been able to reach a long-term agreement. While it does allow the team to keep the player for another year, it can also create tension and frustration, especially for veterans who are seeking stability and long-term security. Because of this, most teams try to avoid using the tag unless absolutely necessary. That’s why it seems unlikely that the Steelers would use the franchise tag on Watt; they understand his value to the team and likely want to avoid damaging their relationship with one of their biggest stars.

There have been several reports about the situation, and while both sides seem to be on the same page about wanting to get a deal done, the main issue seems to be the money. An offer is reportedly on the table, but it doesn’t quite meet Watt’s expectations. Sources suggest he’s looking for a contract that matches or even exceeds the recent record-breaking deal signed by division rival Myles Garrett, and with Watt and Garrett having similar statistics, and with Watt beating Garrett out in most of those areas, it makes sense that that's what Watt wants.

The Steelers Still Have Time To Get It Done

At the end of the day, the NFL is a business, and these tough conversations are often part of the process. Watt has been through contract negotiations before, he even signed his last extension just ahead of the 2021 season, so both he and the organization are familiar with how these typically play out. While there’s still time for the Steelers to work out a deal, many believe it’s crucial for the front office to change its approach in order to make it happen. 

Watt has been a key piece of the defense and a leader on and off the field, making his value to the team hard to replace. The idea of losing a player of his caliber is concerning to both fans and analysts. However, before anything can move forward, the Steelers must determine whether they’re willing to meet the high price tag that comes with keeping a superstar like Watt in Pittsburgh for the long haul.

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