The Pittsburgh Steelers have a few moves that must be made before the start of the 2025 season, including getting a contract extension done with superstar edge rusher T.J. Watt.
Watt is entering the final year of his deal and is seeking an extension from Pittsburgh. However, it seems like negotiations aren't going well, as the 30-year-old skipped mandatory minicamp this week and made some cryptic social media posts earlier in the offseason that signaled he was growing frustrated with contract negotiations.
Though the situation between Watt and the Steelers isn't looking great right now, CBS Sports' Cody Benjamin predicts the franchise will eventually sign the future Hall of Fame pass rusher to a three-year, $121.5 million extension, which would be an average of $40.5 million per season.
Back in 2021, fresh off a then-career-high 15 sacks, the star edge rusher reported to minicamp and training camp but refused to practice as a "hold-in," until Pittsburgh finally rewarded his production with a $112 million extension just days before the season opener. Why should anyone expect a different outcome this time? Watt is synonymous with the Steelers as the heartbeat of Mike Tomlin's defense, and Pittsburgh is all in on 2025; this feels like a when, not if, situation.
Watt likely won't put pen to paper on a new deal unless it's worth more than what Myles Garrett received from the Cleveland Browns a few months ago. Garrett signed a four-year $160 million extension with Cleveland in March that included $123.5 million in guaranteed money and $40 million annually.
Benjamin's projection has Watt receiving more money annually than Garrett due to the one less year, but the amount of guaranteed money involved may be the deciding factor if the four-time All-Pro edge rusher signs the contract.
Nevertheless, Pittsburgh should give Watt a blank check and sign him to whatever deal he wants. The 2017 first-round pick is the face of the franchise and is still one of the most dominant players in the entire sport. Watt has posted six double-digit sack seasons in his career and has led the league in sacks three times.
Overall, we would be shocked if Watt and the Steelers don't get something done before the season that keeps him in Pittsburgh for the foreseeable future.
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