Are Steelers, T.J. Watt Pushing For Contract Extension Behind the Scenes?

The Pittsburgh Steelers and star linebacker T.J. Watt are stated to be preventing tooth and nail behind the scenes to get a brand new contract extension carried out forward of the coaching camp opening.

Both groups are “motivated” to finish a deal and never let pointless distractions creep in because the 2025 NFL season looms on the horizon.

Watt’s Holdout Puts Pressure on Steelers Front Office

During his look on “The Pat McAfee Show,” ESPN insider Peter Schrager revealed that each side are “motivated” to get one thing carried out. Simply put, the Steelers and Watt don’t need to have this factor drag on.

Watt’s determination to carry out on the workforce’s required minicamp final week ratcheted up the strain on the Steelers’ entrance workplace. Though contract talks proceed, the All-Pro exterior linebacker’s absence reveals an unequivocal message: signal a deal that conforms to his elite play earlier than returning to the sphere.

Schrager identified that the state of affairs isn’t one in all team-versus-player hostility. Rather, it is a part of a broader market dynamic of top-level defenders searching for new offers. Watt’s future pay might merely hinge on how a lot worth different groups place on comparable expertise over the subsequent few weeks.

Micah Parsons Could Reshape the Defensive Market

One of Watt’s largest wild playing cards in negotiations is Dallas Cowboys phenom Micah Parsons, who can be anticipated to signal a historic extension this offseason.

Parsons, who simply turned 26, has turn out to be probably the most dominant defensive gamers within the NFL. His subsequent deal, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, may make him the highest-paid defender in league historical past, topping just lately signed extensions for Myles Garrett and Maxx Crosby.

According to Bleacher Report, this potential megadeal may dramatically alter the monetary image for edge rushers, which is why the Steelers are stated to be determined to signal Watt earlier than the Cowboys full Parsons’ contract.

Myles Garrett and Maxx Crosby Already Upped the Ante

Earlier this low season, Cleveland Browns defensive finish Myles Garrett signed a brand new high-water contract at $40 million a 12 months, shattering the transient document of Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby, who two weeks earlier signed for $35.5 million a 12 months. Those two super-sized offers have heightened expectations league-wide.

With the pass-rusher market nonetheless on the rise, the Steelers would probably have to offer T.J. Watt with a deal that mirrors his output and stardom. Watt, who shall be 31 in October, continues to be one of many NFL’s finest sack masters and one of many mainstays of Pittsburgh’s protection.

Trey Hendrickson Seeking Extension in Cincinnati

Compounding the market strain, Trey Hendrickson, the 2024 NFL sacks chief for the Cincinnati Bengals, has been stated to have reopened extension discussions together with his membership, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.

Similar to Watt and Parsons, Hendrickson is probably going going to receives a commission high greenback, and this offseason shall be probably the most contract-loaded occasions for elite defenders.