After making multiple significant upgrades to the secondary, the Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves entering the 2025 NFL season with one of the best defensive units in all of football. Led by veteran Cam Heyward, the Steelers' defense features a solid mix of promising rookies and veteran players who will look to make a major impact throughout the year. Despite multiple big moves being made however, fans continue to express their concern over TJ Watt's next contract extension.
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Steelers linebacker TJ Watt.
Watt, who is entering the final year of a previous extension signed in 2021, is an elite linebacker who is widely regarded as one of the best defensive players in all of football. A seven-time Pro Bowler and four-time First Team All-Pro, Watt has proven to be a game changer throughout every stage of his career. His pending extension is expected to get done before the start of the regular season, as fans continue to wait and see if the superstar will be present at the start of training camp.
The star linebacker is reportedly looking for the largest amount of guaranteed money he can possibly get, as Watt is on the wrong side of 30 and is expected to start slowly declining at some point throughout his next contract. Watt was electric throughout 2024, as the veteran earned himself Pro Bowl and Second Team All-Pro honors. His play slowed towards the latter half of the season however, which has some fans and pundits worried about his play moving forward. As speculation continues to circulate around Watt's contract extension, NFL insider Adam Schefter took a moment to share his thoughts on the situation.
"I think the biggest issue right now is the length of years in the contract," Schefter stated. "Again, Trey Hendrickson and TJ Watt, they want more years, the team wants to give fewer years."
Schefter then went on to comment on what both Watt and Hendrickson may also be looking for in their respective contracts, highlighting both the veterans' desires to earn as much guaranteed money as possible in the later stages of their careers.
"Both players are in their 30s, so for the players, it's about getting as much guaranteed money as you can over a longer period of time," Schefter added.
Schefter's comments may not come as surprising, as multiple sources have confirmed that the stalemate between Watt and the Steelers' front office is mostly being caused by the amount of guaranteed money. Cincinnati Bengals star Trey Hendrickson finds himself in a similar situation with the Bengals' front office as well, as both veterans have reportedly requested more guaranteed money over the course of additional years.
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Bengals' Trey Hendrickson and Steelers' TJ Watt.
Watt is expected to play a crucial role on the Steelers' defense this season, despite the contract talks, as an extension will more than likely be put into place prior to the start of the regular season. Watt may find himself playing a massive role off the field as well, as the veteran will serve as an excellent mentor for rookies Derrick Harmon and Jack Sawyer. With speculation continuing to surround the superstar linebacker's extension, fans should continue to monitor Watt's participation throughout the course of training camp.
Steelers' Watt Has New Help On The Backend
After completing a blockbuster deal with the Miami Dolphins that sent tight end Jonnu Smith and superstar cornerback Jalen Ramsey to Pittsburgh, the Steelers' defense find themselves with significant upgrades in the secondary. Ramsey is an elite veteran who will look to become a focal point in Pittsburgh's secondary, as the former Dolphin should thrive playing alongside Joey Porter Jr. Ramsey may play multiple positions in 2025 as well, as the veteran has been rumored to take snaps at free safety throughout the course of training camp.
Miami Dolphins
Steelers CB Jalen Ramsey soars to make a game-winning interception during his time with the Dolphins.
Watt has been a crucial piece on Pittsburgh's defense throughout his entire career, as the loss of a player of his caliber could prove to be catastrophic to the team -- especially after improving in other areas. Fans are encouraged to monitor the Watt situation closely, as an agreement on an extension is expected to be reached sooner rather than later.
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