Dawgs By Nature
The pass rushing demon is not happy at all with his contract after Browns Myles Garrett’s deal
Back in 2017, the Cleveland Browns had the first overall pick in the NFL draft. They had quite a few blue-chip prospects earmarked for that top spot, including DEs Myles Garrett and T.J. Watt, RBs Leonard Fournette and Christian McCaffrey, QBs Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson, and S Jamal Adams.
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Obviously, Cleveland chose Garrett. In hindsight, what would this Browns franchise be like if they had traded up to grab Mahomes in addition to Garrett in Round 1? These two would be worth mortgaging the farm. But things are what they are.
Garrett has had a great career. But so has Watt. As Browns’ fans, we know his capability to disrupt a game every contest. Strange enough, he was taken late at pick #30 in the first round by the Pittsburgh Steelers, who were looking for pass-rushing help that year. Now he has been to seven Pro Bowls and voted First Team All-Pro four different seasons.
Now comes word from Steelers camp that Watt just might be up for grabs and traded away.
What are the issues? Glad you asked.
Adam Schefter of ESPN has stated that in recent weeks, Pittsburgh has considered trading the talented pass rusher. Watt has skipped voluntary OTAs and mini-camp because he is unhappy with his contract.
This is probably because of the mega-deal extension Garrett received from the Browns during this off-season that reset the EDGE rusher market as follows:
And we thought Burger King was the home of the Whopper.
Watt is entering the final year of the contract that he inked in 2021. That deal was for four years, worth $112 million with an average of $28 million per year.
For Watt, how dare the Steelers pay him $28 million a year when Garrett is getting $40 million a season, eh?
Garrett will turn 30 this season, while Watt is already 30 years old with a birthday in October. Since they both came into the league together, the comparison between the two is interesting.
Watt has 108 career sacks with a high of 22.5 in 2021, 462 total tackles, 126 tackles for loss, 12 fumble recoveries, 304 pressures, 225 QB hits, 103 knockdowns, 92 hurries, 27 batted passes, six interceptions with two pick-sixes.
In comparison, Garrett has 102.5 career sacks with a high of 16 in both 2021 and 2022, 352 total tackles, 116 tackles for loss, 6 fumble recoveries, 280 pressures, 200 QB hits, 88 knockdowns, 88 hurries, 10 batted passes, and zero interceptions.
Because Watt’s stats...
