Sportsnaut
The Pittsburgh Steelers have made all-in moves this offseason to try and contend for a Super Bowl this upcoming season. However, a contract stalemate with All-Pro edge rusher T.J. Watt now hangs over the franchise ahead of training camp.
According to ProFootballTalk‘s Mike Florio, Watt and the Steelers are “nowhere close” to a new deal. The former Defensive Player of the Year is seeking an extension that would make him one of the highest-paid NFL players ever.
Related: Insider predicts how long Steelers’ negotiations with T.J. Watt last
The offseason certainly hasn’t helped matters for Pittsburgh, with its division rivals adding to the pressure. In March, the Cleveland Browns signed Myles Garrett to a four-year contract extension worth $160 million. Garrett’s deal included a record-breaking $40 million average annual value, the highest ever for a non-quarterback, with $123.596 million in total guarantees.
A few weeks later, the Cincinnati Bengals signed wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase to a four-year extension worth $161 million. It set new marks for average annual value ($40.25 million) and total guarantees ($123.596 million) for Watt to try to surpass with his next deal.
Related: Steelers insider reveals team’s long-term QB plan
However, there appear to be a few points of contention in negotiations. Pittsburgh is reluctant to offer Watt a long-term deal that would begin with his age-32 season, potentially keeping him under contract through his mid-30s.
Watt is also coming off a down year, recording fewer than 12 sacks in 15-plus games played for the first time since his rookie season. When Pittsburgh last went through contract negotiations with Watt, a deal wasn’t signed until just days before Week 1. History seems likely to repeat itself in 2025.
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