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
- T.J. Watt stats: 27 QB hits, 19 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks, 6 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries
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
- T.J. Watt contract (Spotrac): $30.418 million cap hit in 2025, NFL free agent in 2026
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.
Read More: NFL defense rankings, see where Steelers’ defense ranks
More About:NFL