Total Pro Sports
Pittsburgh Steelers star outside linebacker T.J. Watt has been mentioned aplenty in trade rumors this offseason, but the organization is reportedly working toward keeping him long-term.
The 30-year-old T.J. Watt is heading into the final year of his contract. Last month, the 2021 Defensive Player of the Year fueled trade speculation when he posted this cryptic message on his Instagram story:
T.J. Watt on IG. 👀🤔 #Steelers #NFL pic.twitter.com/d4MAdKDA37
— Blitzburgh (@Blitz_Burgh) April 9, 2025
On the latest episode of “Kaboly and Mack”, Steelers reporter Mark Kaboly said that the AFC North club made a “pretty substantial” contract offer to Watt. However, Kaboly believes the latest offer is “probably not” good enough for Watt’s liking.
In 2021, T.J. Watt signed a four-year contract extension worth $112 million. The market for top-tier pass rushers has skyrocketed ever since, with Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett signing a four-year, $160 million extension that makes him the highest-paid defensive player in league history.
Back in 2023, the San Francisco 49ers gave superstar edge rusher Nick Bosa a five-year extension worth $170 million. Though the average annual value (AAV) isn’t as high as Garrett’s, the total value is the richest contract for a non-QB.
Over his first eight NFL seasons, T.J. Watt has 108 sacks and 33 forced fumbles.
The Steelers have a long and successful history of locking up franchise cornerstone players long term, so it’s hard to envision Watt playing elsewhere next year. He may be on the wrong side of 30 next season, but the Steelers need to keep their franchise player intact and just pay the man whatever he wants.
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