Pittsburgh Steelers fans celebrated when the team finally confirmed that Aaron Rodgers is their quarterback for the 2025 season. But then the joy died a week after with the absence of linebacker T.J. Watt which reports said has something to do with contract negotiations where he seeks a historic offer.
The Wisconsin Badgers alum has been one of the best Steelers for a long time now. He is reportedly seeking around $40 million a year after the league saw Cleveland Browns extended Myles Garrett to the tune of a four-year, $160 million deal.
Both players are from the 2017 draft and are considered two of the best pass rushers in the NFL right now.
How long will Watt be out and will it lead to his departure? His head coach Mike Tomlin seems to know something everyone don’t.
“I’m not going to get into speculation there,” Tomlin said during minicamp.
“You guys know what negotiations is about; I’m optimistic we’re going to get things done because we got two sides that want things done. When that’s going to occur, I don’t know.”
T.J. Watt won’t get $40 million a year says insider
Watt has proven himself as a player and fan favorite for the Steelers. However, that might not be enough for the Steelers to make him the highest paid pass rusher.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network doubts it will happen.
“You know, if they possibly can, they’re going to try and to make him the highest-paid edge rusher in the NFL,” Rapoport said.
“Because we are still waiting on some details from these massive deals, it’s a little tricky to see where T.J. Watt belongs.”
Watt has been with the Steelers since 2017. He’s been to First Team All-Pro four times since then and was named the Defensive Player of the Year in 2021.
That is almost the same career trajectory Garrett is having reason why contract comparison is not surprising.
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