Steelers' James Harrison Gives Warning To Fans About TJ Watt: "He May Be Playing In Another Uniform"

The Pittsburgh Steelers have quite the expectations for the 2025 season. Some debate whether those expectations are realistic, but much of the hype comes from the arrival of Aaron Rodgers as the team’s new quarterback. At 41 years old, Rodgers isn’t the player he once was, but many around the league believe he still has enough left in the tank to lead Pittsburgh to meaningful wins. With a reloaded roster and Rodgers under center, the Steelers are aiming high.

One of the biggest concerns surrounding the team now involves star pass rusher TJ Watt. Set to become a free agent after the 2025 season, Watt is reportedly pushing for a new deal sooner rather than later. The Steelers want to keep him in black and gold, but negotiations have been tricky given his value and the team’s current salary cap situation. Losing Watt would be a massive blow to a defense that continues to be the heart of the franchise.

Steelers legend James Harrison recently weighed in on the situation during an appearance on the Up & Adams show with Kay Adams. Harrison, who finished his career with brief stints in Cincinnati and New England, knows firsthand how strange it feels to wear another uniform. When asked about Watt’s future, Harrison did not rule out the possibility of him leaving Pittsburgh and even suggested it could happen before the season kicks off. For a franchise built on defensive identity, that possibility is unsettling.

"Could I imagine him playing in another uniform this season?" Harrison asked. "Yeah, it’s a business. I think that is the thing that people get used to. It’s a business, and if they don’t come to a business decision that is good for them and good for him, he may be playing in another uniform."

The NFL is a business at the end of the day, and that’s something Harrison wants fans to understand. Naturally, Harrison would love to see Watt finish his career in the black and gold, just like so many Steelers legends before him. 

He’s not blind to reality, however. If the Steelers don’t take care of Watt soon, Harrison knows there’s a real chance he could end up wearing another uniform.

"I want to see him play for the Steelers, but like I said, again, it’s just the business of football," Harrison said.

Watt has been the heartbeat of the Steelers ever since they selected him in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He has shattered franchise and league records, terrorized opposing quarterbacks, and kept the Steelers' defense dominant during years when the offense struggled to find consistency. 

While postseason success has eluded him so far, few would place that blame on Watt. His impact on the field has been undeniable, and his leadership has become central to the team's identity.

Steelers' TJ Watt Wants The Franchise To Reward Him And He Deserves That

In Watt’s mind, it is simple. He wants the organization to take care of him. He knows his worth and, despite his strong relationship with Mike Tomlin and deep respect for the Steelers, he wants a new deal before hitting free agency. It is a reasonable expectation for a player of his caliber. However, the Steelers find themselves in a difficult position. Committing a massive contract to an aging pass rusher comes with risk, even one as accomplished and driven as Watt.

By the end of the 2024 season, Watt was clearly battling through injury, and his production dipped from his usual elite standards. Still, most around the league believe that was more about health than decline. With the Steelers going all in on the 2025 season, securing Watt with a long-term extension feels like one of the final moves needed before they can fully focus on a potential championship run.

#SteelerNation