A new report details a troubling back-and-forth between star edge rusher T.J. Watt and the Pittsburgh Steelers during contract talks.
According to CBS Sports' Aditi Kinkhabwala, who was a guest on 93.7 The Fan on Wednesday, the Steelers and Watt had a bit of a contentious meeting the last time the two sides got together.
Kinkhabwala revealed that the Steelers told Watt that he's "fortunate to be a Steeler," to which Watt shot back, "you're fortunate to have me."
"Here’s what the disconnect is,” Kinkhabwala said. “And this is what happened the last time around in these negotiations. T.J. Watt was openly told, ‘You’re fortunate to be a Steeler.’ And his response was, ‘You’re fortunate to have me.'"
Yikes. That does not sound good for Watt's hopes of not only getting the deal he wants, but staying with the Steelers entirely. If the two sides hold firm on those positions, this relationship might get to the point where its irreparable.
By all accounts, the two sides are not close on a new deal.
Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported on "The Rich Eisen Show" that Watt wants to be the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL, and if the Steelers oblige, his contract could run for five years in order to spread the money out.
However, if the Steelers were keen on giving Watt that much, a deal would likely be done by now.
Judging by the Steelers' stance in Kinkhabwala's report, we don't see Pittsburgh caving anytime soon. And, the same can be said for Watt, especially if the team continues saying stuff like that.
The truth is, the Steelers need Watt more than Watt needs the Steelers.
If he was to be traded or hits the open market in 2026, he's going to get paid handsomely, barring a stunningly poor 2025 season.
Meanwhile, Watt is the heart and soul of Pittsburgh's defense and trading him now would seriously hurt their chances in 2025 and replacing him would be impossible.