The Pittsburgh Steelers just made one of their biggest moves of the offseason. Pittsburgh signed superstar linebacker TJ Watt to a three-year extension worth up to $123 million, as the veteran is now the highest paid non-quarterback in NFL history. Watt has played a crucial role on the Steelers' defense throughout his entire career, as the superstar will look to continue playing at an elite level in 2025.
Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' linebacker TJ Watt.
Many believed it would take an extended amount of time for Watt and the Steelers' front office to reach an agreement on an extension, as rumors regarding the veteran's presence throughout training camp continued to circulate around social media.
A seven-time Pro Bowler, Watt has thrived during his entire career and is widely regarded as one of the best defensive players in all of football. Watt may be faced with a significant role off the field in 2025 as well, as the veteran is expected to be an excellent mentor for rookies Derrick Harmon and Jack Sawyer.
With an extension officially set in stone, many continue to wonder what took so long for both sides to reach an agreement. Watt was reportedly looking for the most guaranteed money he could possibly get, as both sides appeared to have a disagreement over the length of the contract. Watt was elite in 2024, as the generational linebacker should face no problem playing a pivotal role on the Steelers' defensive unit once again in 2025.
As fans continue to voice their frustration surrounding the process behind Watt's extension, Steelers insider Mark Kaboly took a moment to share his thoughts on the situation.
"This is the only city in the world that is upset about keeping your freaking best player under contract for the next 3 or 4 years."
Kaboly's frustration may be viewed as understandable by many, as Watt has been an anchor piece on the Steelers' defense for a number of years now. Watt should continue to play at an elite level throughout the extension, as the veteran has shown little to no signs of declining as he enters the later stage of his career. Watt is widely expected to thrive throughout 2025 once again, as the 2024 Pro Bowler will look to continuing adding to an already impressive resume.
With the biggest moves of the Steelers' offseason over with, the team is expected to turn its attention to the start of training camp. Watt is expected to be a full participant throughout the course of camp, as the veteran linebacker will look to shine once again playing alongside Cam Heyward. The 14-year veteran is an elite defensive tackle who continues to play at an elite level in the later stage of his career.
Matt Freed / AP Photo
Steelers' Cam Heyward.
Steelers' Jalen Ramsey May Play Multiple Roles During 2025 Season
With Watt officially under contract for the next four seasons, Pittsburgh is expected to turn its attention towards addressing the depth in the secondary throughout training camp.
The Steelers recently acquired superstar cornerback Jalen Ramsey in a blockbuster deal with the Miami Dolphins, as Ramsey will look to pick up right where he left off in Miami throughout 2025. Ramsey may find himself playing multiple positions next season, as the veteran has been rumored to take snaps at free safety during training camp.
Miami Dolphins
Steelers' cornerback Jalen Ramsey soars to make a game-winning interception.
Ramsey may be faced with a massive role off the field as well, as the superstar is expected to be the perfect mentor for Joey Porter Jr. and other younger members of Pittsburgh's secondary.
A seven-time Pro Bowler, Ramsey should have no problem finding his role on the Steelers' defense instantly as the veteran has thrived throughout every stage of his career. As Ramsey finds himself officially in Pittsburgh, fans can expect to get their first glimpse at the veteran practicing in full pads sooner rather than later.
As many continue to express their frustration over the process of Watt's extension, Watt finds himself officially under contract in Pittsburgh throughout the next four seasons. Watt is expected to continue playing at an elite level in 2025, as the veteran is now one of the highest paid players in football history. With the start of training camp just around the corner, fans will get their first glimpse of the Steelers' defensive unit in 2025 very soon.
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