The Pittsburgh Steelers have a few tasks to complete before the start of the 2025 season, including getting an extension done with T.J. Watt.
The superstar edge rusher skipped mandatory minicamp earlier this month, as negotiations don’t seem to be making much progress. Watt will hit unrestricted free agency next offseason, so the Steelers would be wise to sign their franchise cornerstone to a long-term deal sooner rather than later.
Watt’s new deal with Pittsburgh will make him one of the highest-paid players in football. Bleacher Report’s James Palmer believes the Steelers superstar could even land a deal worth more than $40 million per year.
“I’m hearing there’s a chance Watt gets past $40 [million per season],” Palmer said Wednesday during the NFL Insider Notebook show. “He has every right to ask for it. I’ve talked on here a lot about the comparisons between him and Myles Garrett. The numbers are almost identical in every aspect in terms of superlatives and in terms of numbers, and they came in the same draft class. I mean, he has the right to try to get that.”
Watt likely wants a contract worth more than what Myles Garrett received from the Cleveland Browns. Garrett signed a four-year extension worth $160 million with the Browns in March. His deal also included $123 million in guaranteed money.
Whether it’s a three or four-year deal, Watt deserves as much money as he wants. The 30-year-old has led the league in sacks three times and is one of the most dominant pass rushers of the modern era.
If Watt demands a contract worth more than $40 million per season, it would be a massive investment for Pittsburgh but one that would be well worth it. The seven-time Pro Bowl defender is still playing at a high level and should be a Steeler for life.
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