Schefter: Steelers Face "Big Problem" If Looming TJ Watt Deal Drags On

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been making a lot of changes to their roster, bringing in a lot of fresh faces. While these new additions are certainly exciting, one of the most crucial parts of the offseason isn’t about who’s coming in, it’s about a key player who’s already on the roster. Star edge rusher TJ Watt is entering the final year of his current contract. As negotiations for an extension continue behind the scenes, reports suggest that progress has been slow.

With no deal finalized, concern continues to grow about what this could mean for the Steelers and Watt. While reports suggest that Pittsburgh has already put an offer on the table, the fact that both sides have yet to reach an agreement is raising eyebrows. Recently, Senior NFL Insider Adam Schefter appeared on the Unsportsmanlike podcast, where he shared his own concerns and offered insight on when the situation could become even more serious.

"If we get to August 8th and it’s still not resolved, that becomes a little bit more interesting," Schefter said. "And if it gets to September 8th, that’s a big problem. But there’s a lot of time to work these things out, and even though the sides might be far apart right now, I still think that somehow, with his importance to that franchise, they’ll figure out a way to get this done at some point in time. If not, other teams are waiting."

With no deal in place for Watt, trade speculation has started to surface. Although reports indicate that both Watt and the Steelers want the All-Pro linebacker to stay in Pittsburgh, the lack of an official agreement has raised concerns among fans. For one, Watt is a fan favorite, and the idea of him leaving is upsetting to many. On top of that, rumored trade packages for Watt have started circulating, and many fans feel the potential return simply wouldn’t match his value.

Because Watt is such a vital part of the defense, fans naturally expect a big return in any trade package involving him. However, the potential offers are limited by a few key factors. The most significant is his age, that while Watt is getting older, he still has plenty of talent and energy left to contribute. That said, teams are often hesitant to make a big investment in a player who is aging and has a history of injuries. 

The other major factor is the cost. If the Steelers trade Watt at what they would want, the acquiring team would not only have to give up significant draft capital, like a first-round pick, but also take on the responsibility of signing Watt to a big new contract. While it’s understandable for the Steelers to want a first-round pick in return, convincing another team to part with high draft assets and commit to a costly deal for an older player is a tough sell for most teams.

Watt has missed all offseason programs so far and is also unlikely to attend training camp if this pattern continues. Ultimately, the NFL is a business, and Watt is taking the necessary steps to secure the contract he wants. However, if this situation persists, Schefter’s warnings become increasingly relevant and important to pay attention to.

Steelers Have Been In This Situation Before

The last time Watt signed an extension, it wasn’t finalized until just before the regular season kicked off in 2021. So technically, there’s still some time before things become truly alarming. Many people agree with Schefter that if a deal isn’t in place by September 8th, which is the day after the Steelers' first regular season game, it could become a serious issue. 

It’s a situation fans are hoping the team can resolve before it reaches that point. Only time will tell if/when a deal actually gets done.

Do you want Watt to be re-signed? Do you think the Steelers and Watt will be able to get a deal done? Let us know in the comments below!

#SteelerNation