Steelers Now
There’s one thing the Pittsburgh Steelers and outside linebacker T.J. Watt can’t agree on in contract negotiations.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are trying to work on an extension for All-Pro outside linebacker T.J. Watt, who is heading into the final year of his contract. However, the two sides are reportedly not very close to a deal. So what’s the holdup?
ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler recently shed some light on the situation.
“Pittsburgh remains optimistic. I’m told they want to get a deal done,” Fowler said on ESPN’s “Get Up.” “I know there’s been the trade chatter out there. Teams I’ve talked to don’t really expect him to be moved, but this is an issue of guaranteed money as a sticking point. The structure of the deal, all those details.”
Watt is currently scheduled to make just $21.05 million in salary in 2025, none of which is guaranteed.
Meanwhile, Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett was just made the highest paid non-quarterback in NFL history this offseason with a contract extension that pays him $40 million per year.
That is likely the number Watt is trying to match or break, but Fowler doesn’t think that is the problem.
“Most people I talk to around the league do expect him to be the highest-paid pass rusher when he does get paid,” Fowler said. “That doesn’t seem to be an issue. It’s about the other details that they haven’t been able to lock in on between the team and the player.”
The Steelers seem to be proceeding with caution since the 30-year-old is coming off the least-productive full season of his NFL career.
However, Watt still proved to be a difference maker in 2024 while recording 11.5 sacks and a league-leading six forced fumbles.
That is why it feels as though it is only a matter of time until the two sides can find common ground.
The clock is ticking if Pittsburgh is hoping for Watt to suit up at training camp, though. The former NFL Defensive Player of the Year already skipped OTAs and mandatory minicamp last month and will likely continue to do so if his contract situation remains unresolved.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Insider Reveals Holdup in Steelers T.J. Watt Contract Negotiations
