Steelers Will Shut T.J. Watt Deal, Says NFL Insiders

The Pittsburgh Steelers are pushing to lock of their defensive participant, T.J. Watt, with a blockbuster contract extension that might as soon as once more make him the highest-paid defensive participant in NFL historical past.

While rumors say that Watt may go to different groups, NFL insiders consider the deal may very well be finalized earlier than coaching camp or early within the season.

Steelers Willing to Pay, But Guarantees Still in Discussion

Though the general money just isn’t a major impediment, the construction and ensures of the transaction are nonetheless in dialogue. As per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, showing on The Rich Eisen Show, the Steelers are decided to signal Watt for all times and can seemingly make him a bundle price greater than $40 million yearly—above the $160 million contract the Browns signed with Myles Garrett.

For Pelissero, that is going to be “big money” for the Steelers. He expects to see a reset within the edge market this time.

Now, Watt is finishing the ultimate 12 months of his 2021 extension, price $28 million a 12 months. He was then the top-paid defender. Edge rushers since have set the bar increased with Danielle Hunter ($35.6M), Maxx Crosby ($35.5M), and Garrett ($40M).

Watt’s Leverage Is Strong as Steelers Look to Compete

T.J. Watt nonetheless ranks as one of many NFL’s high move rushers. Trading him wouldn’t be sensible for a franchise like Pittsburgh, which has dedicated substantial sources to its current roster. And since Watt just isn’t getting any youthful, the worth acquired in a commerce in all probability would not be equal to his contribution on the sector.

Pelissero stated that Watt will not get traded anyplace.

“Do I anticipate that T.J. Watt gets traded? No. Never say never.”

Insiders equivalent to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler are certain that the Steelers are utterly invested in extending him as an alternative of contemplating commerce proposals.

“They want T.J. Watt here,” a group supply instructed Fowler on July 5.

Timing Could Mirror Watt’s Last Deal

Watt’s final extension wasn’t accomplished till Sept. 9, 2021, mere days earlier than the common season opened. He answered with a tie for the franchise report for many Defensive Player of the Year awards. This time, with the Steelers opening coaching camp on July 23, there stays a snug timeframe to finish the deal, SB Nation writes.

With Mike Tomlin’s monitor report of bringing in veterans slowly, dropping just a few preliminary reps in all probability will not have an effect on Watt’s readiness.

If Watt indicators a deal price greater than $40 million a 12 months, it’ll affect different high move rushers in line for extensions, such because the Bengals’ Trey Hendrickson and the Cowboys’ Micah Parsons.

With league sources optimistic in regards to the deal, it is not a query of “if” however “when” T.J. Watt is once more the NFL’s highest-paid edge rusher.