Former Steelers Wide Receiver Makes Bold Claim That TJ Watt Is Key To Jaylen Ramsey's Success In 2025

Two of the most talked-about storylines surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason are the ongoing contract negotiations with star edge rusher TJ Watt, and the blockbuster trade that brought both tight end Jonnu Smith and All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey to Pittsburgh. During a recent episode of NFL Live, former Steelers wide receiver Allen Robinson II made an interesting connection between the two situations. 

Robinson expressed that Ramsey’s success this season could heavily depend on whether or not the Steelers are able to re-sign Watt, emphasizing just how important Watt’s presence is to the overall defense.

"Their defense is based around the front seven and TJ [Watt] is a huge part of that," Robinson II said. "I don't think you get the benefits of having a player like Jaylen [Ramsey] on the back end without a TJ Watt."

Watt has recently been undergoing contract negotiations, as his current deal is set to expire at the end of the upcoming season. It's undeniable that Watt is a key piece of the defense, making this situation have all eyes on it. However, reports suggest that the negotiations have not gone smoothly, and with no official re-signing happening yet, concern is starting to grow. Many are beginning to worry about the possibility of losing such an important piece of the defense, especially as time continues to pass. 

With contract negotiations reportedly not going well, it’s no surprise that trade speculation has started to surface. However, the idea of parting ways with Watt has had some significant reactions, not just from fans, but from members of the media as well, emphasizing the importance of Watt's presence. 

His impact goes far beyond his stats; Watt is a fan favorite in Pittsburgh, someone who embodies the toughness, grit, and pride that the franchise has long been known for. The thought of losing him is difficult for many to accept, and it’s clear that both the team and its supporters understand just how vital he is to the organization. It's also been reported that the feeling is mutual, that Watt wants to stay in Pittsburgh, and the front office wants him to stay as well. 

On the flip side, there’s a lot of excitement about the addition of Ramsey to the Steelers’ defense. Fans are eager to see how he will elevate the team’s performance, especially given his reputation. Ramsey brings a rare level of versatility to the field, he’s capable of playing multiple positions and adapting to a variety of schemes and matchups. That flexibility makes him not only a valuable asset to the team, but also an exciting player to watch.

The Steelers Still Have Time

With no official deal in place yet, fans’ concerns are certainly understandable. However, it’s worth noting that the Steelers have been in a similar position before. The last time Watt signed an extension, the agreement wasn’t finalized until just before the start of the 2021 season, so there is still time to get something done. 

That said, timing is becoming increasingly important. As other top players in the same position around the league are also negotiating new contracts, the market is expected to rise even higher, which could make the situation even more complicated for the Steelers. Reports suggest that the main issue in the negotiations has to do with money, which only adds to the urgency. While the regular season hasn’t started yet, the Steelers can’t afford to let this drag on for too long, especially with a player as valuable as Watt on the line.

What do you think of Robinson's remarks regarding Watt and Ramsey? Be sure to comment below!

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