Steelers' TJ Watt Almost Guaranteed To Sign An Extension Before Start Of The 2025 NFL Season

The Pittsburgh Steelers have made significant upgrades to both the offense and defense throughout the course of the 2025 offseason. Pittsburgh drafted promising rookies like Derrick Harmon and Jack Sawyer, while also trading for superstar veteran cornerback Jalen Ramsey as well. Despite a multitude of big moves over the past few months, none may prove to be more important than reaching an agreement on an extension with All-Pro linebacker, TJ Watt.

Watt, who has been one of the backbones of the Steelers' defense throughout his entire career, is an elite edge rusher who is widely regarded as one of the best defensive players in football. A seven-time Pro Bowler and four-time First Team All-Pro, Watt has proven to make a crucial impact at every stage of his career and will more than likely serve as an elite linebacker once again in 2025. Watt is currently entering the final year of his existing deal signed back in 2021.

As social media continues to question when an extension will get done, Steelers insider Mark Kaboly took a moment to share an update as to whether or not the superstar would play in 2025 without an agreement in place.

"I might say less than 1%," Kaboly stated. There's no benefit of TJ Watt playing this season with no contract. Your putting yourself up for a potential franchise tag, then next year, you're going to say, 'Let's do this all again' as a 32 year old."

Kaboly then went on to mention how a scenario like this has no true benefit for Watt, as he believes a deal will be reached sooner rather than later.

"What benefit is it for him?" Kaboly then asked. "So I think there's almost less than no chance."

Many have shared beliefs similar to Kaboly's, as failing to agree on an extension by the start of the regular season may prove to be a turning point in Watt's relationship with the front office. The loss of a player of Watt's caliber would be detrimental, as the linebacker is a generational talent who will require a massive amount of guaranteed money in his next deal. As both sides continue to work towards an agreement, fans are encouraged to keep a close eye on the situation throughout the course of training camp.

Fans remain optimistic that an extension will be put in place before the start of the regular season. Watt may be absent throughout the opening days of training camp however, as his participation may prove to play a significant role in the superstar's contract talks.

Steelers Rookies May Thrive Playing Alongside Watt

With multiple new faces set to make an impact on the Steelers' defense in 2025, Harmon and Sawyer may thrive as both rookies are set to play alongside two elite veterans in Watt and Cam Heyward. Harmon, a first-round selection out of Oregon, is an elite defensive lineman who was widely regarded as one of the best defensive prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. Harmon should instantly become a major beneficiary of both Watt and Heyward's presence, as the former Oregon Duck will look to solidify himself as a starter on Pittsburgh's defensive line right away.

Sawyer could benefit greatly from playing with Watt and Heyward as well, as the college star will look to make an impact throughout his rookie season in a depth role. Sawyer, who played a major part in Ohio State's National Championship run last season, is a promising young talent that will more than likely improve as time goes on. Selected in the fourth round of this year's draft, Sawyer was widely regarded as a steal and may emerge as a top rookie from his class throughout the season.

As the Watt situation continues to develop and an agreement on an extension has yet to be reached, Kaboly and many others remain optimistic that a deal will be put in place before the start of the regular season. Watt is a crucial piece on the Steelers' defensive unit, as the loss of a superstar of his caliber would be a turning point for the unit as a whole. 

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