TJ Watt and the Pittsburgh Steelers are in negotiations for a contract extension ahead of the approaching 2025 regular season. With July fast approaching, the All-Pro pass rusher has yet to finalize a deal.
Watt, aged 30, is entering the final year of his substantial four-year, $112 million contract signed in 2021. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler recently reported that there is optimism surrounding the potential for a new agreement. He suggests that Watt may emerge as the highest-paid pass rusher in the league, emphasizing that both the player and the organization are interested in a long-term relationship. “He wants to be a Steeler for life. The Steelers want that as well,” Fowler stated. He added that the organization believes Watt still has several productive years ahead.
As part of the negotiation process, Watt skipped mandatory minicamp, which has led to accumulated fines of over $100,000. However, should a new deal come to fruition that meets Fowler’s expectations, these fines will pale in comparison to his potential earnings.
Watt’s performance on the field speaks for itself, as he has led the NFL in sacks during three of the past five seasons and has an impressive tally of 108 sacks over eight seasons. This performance solidifies his status as a four-time First-Team All-Pro selection and the recipient of the AP Defensive Player of the Year award in 2021.
Further context comes from the contract situation of Myles Garrett from the Cleveland Browns, who signed a deal last offseason worth $40 million per year, marking him as the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL. It remains to be seen if Watt can surpass those figures, particularly with the upcoming contract negotiations for Dallas Cowboys star Micah Parsons potentially impacting market values.
While the timeline for a finalized deal remains uncertain, Fowler’s confident outlook suggests that the Steelers and Watt are making progress and may reach an agreement before the season begins. This situation reflects both the player’s value and the Steelers’ commitment to retaining him as a core part of their future.