T.J. Watt is about to enter the ultimate yr of his contract, and with the pass-rusher hooked up to a $30M cap hit for 2025, there have been some rumblings that the Steelers might look to maneuver on from their franchise star. Art Rooney was fast to dismiss that concept, because the Steelers proprietor mentioned the crew wasn’t contemplating parting with Watt.
“I’d need to put it within the ‘unlikely’ class,” Rooney mentioned (h/t Nick Farabaugh of PennLive.com). “He’s actually been one of many actual, strong items we’ve on that protection. I feel he’s the sort of man we wish to have within the locker room going ahead.”
Rooney additionally mentioned he’d be desirous about extending the veteran pass-rusher (via Mark Kaboly), additional indication that Watt will likely be sticking in Pittsburgh long-term. An extension all the time appeared just like the likeliest path ahead; the entrance workplace might scale back Watt’s impending cap hit (and, doubtlessly, his $21M in true earnings) by handing the star one other long-term pact.
Watt is about to conclude his second contract with the group, a four-year, $112M deal he inked in 2021. The previous first-round decide has typically been value each penny. Whereas he was restricted to 10 video games and career-worst marks through the first season of his extension, he’s rebounded by compiling 30.5 sacks and 38 tackles for loss over the previous two campaigns. That features a recently-completed 2024 season the place he led the NFL with six pressured fumbles.
Micah Parsons, Myles Garrett and Trey Hendrickson might all look to reset the edge-rusher market this offseason, and Watt’s subsequent deal might be a mirrored image of these pacts. The Steelers star presently ranks fourth amongst edge rushers with a $28M common annual worth, and whereas he could possibly garner comparable financials on his subsequent deal, the contract’s time period will certainly be a sticking level between the 2 sides. The 2025 marketing campaign will symbolize Watt’s age-31 season, and with the Steelers doubtlessly centered on bettering the offensive facet of the ball, the crew could also be pinching pennies on protection.
For what it’s value, Watt just lately made it clear that he wants to stick in Pittsburgh for the remainder of his profession. On the flip facet, the four-time All-Professional famous he’s uncertain of how long he plans on playing in the NFL, so there’s an opportunity his subsequent contract finally ends up being the ultimate deal of his profession.
