The Pittsburgh Steelers continue to bolster their roster with Pro Bowl talent, exemplified by the recent trade involving Jalen Ramsey and Jone Smith this offseason. However, the future of their standout players, particularly edge rusher TJ Watt, remains uncertain. Watt is currently negotiating for a long-term contract after the Steelers unveiled their roster changes during the mandatory mini-camp. The recent trade with the Miami Dolphins has brought Watt’s contract situation into sharper focus.
Conflicting reports have surfaced regarding Watt’s status. ESPN suggested the Steelers are weighing whether to pursue a new deal with Watt, while NFL Media stated that the Steelers have no plans to trade him and are aiming to extend his contract. Watt, who will turn 31 in October, has one year left on his four-year, $112 million contract, which includes a $21.05 million salary for the 2025 season. His deal made him the highest-paid defensive player when signed in 2021, though several peers have since surpassed his earnings.
Notable among those are Miles Garrett, Daniel Hunter, and Max Crosby, who have each signed significant extensions this offseason. Garrett’s four-year, $160 million contract stands as the largest, making him the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history. Hunter and Crosby also secured hefty deals, positioning Watt’s current contract as the seventh-highest average annual value among edge rushers.
Watt, the 2021 Defensive Player of the Year, has remained quiet about his contract this offseason but stirred speculation online by posting a Steelers jersey and peace sign on Instagram. Meanwhile, the Steelers have started shaping Ramsey’s salary for 2025 and extended Smith following the trade. Reports indicate Ramsey received a $1.5 million raise with a $26.6 million salary next season, partially covered by Miami, while Smith agreed to a one-year, $12 million extension.
Unless Watt comments again publicly, fans might not hear his thoughts on this contract saga until July 23. Although no trade suitors have emerged amid ongoing speculation, Watt’s consistent performance, including at least 10 sacks in six out of his eight seasons, likely attracts interest from several teams. The Steelers appear determined to retain Watt at nearly any cost, as highlighted by their earlier acquisitions of Slay, wide receiver DK Metcalf, and cornerback Darius, plus signing quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who announced 2025 will be his final NFL season.
Pressure is mounting on the Steelers and coach Mike Tomlin to deliver success by 2025. Despite reaching the postseason in 2024, the Steelers struggled in the playoffs, ending with a loss to the Baltimore Ravens and accumulating six consecutive post-season defeats since their last playoff win in 2016.
Fan Take: This contract saga around TJ Watt highlights the high stakes and tough decisions NFL teams face in retaining elite talent amid a fiercely competitive market. For fans, Watt’s future with the Steelers could shape the team’s success trajectory and ignite intense interest in how top players’ careers evolve in this new era of defensive dominance.
