The Pittsburgh Steelers are going through a high-stakes contract standoff with one of many NFL’s premier move rushers.
With the sting rusher market reaching unprecedented heights, negotiations with T.J. Watt have hit vital roadblocks that would lengthen deep into the preseason.
ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler lately supplied perception into the stalled talks.
“I talked to any individual with the staff who mentioned, ‘Look, these are sophisticated offers to do, however we’re engaged on it. We wish T.J. Watt right here.’ … It is a scenario the place he’s most likely going to be the highest-paid edge rusher within the league when that is all mentioned and carried out. It simply is determined by when the Steelers can do it. Sometimes, they love to do their offers both round coaching camp or main into Week 1. So that is removed from over,” Fowler mentioned.
Move rush market has exploded. By summer season’s finish, a minimum of six of top-end rushers ought to or may have secured mega deal since March.
Taking inventory of T.J. Watt, Trey Hendrickson and Micah Parsons standing on @SportsCenter with @SkubieMageza pic.twitter.com/kaLLODTs0h
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) July 5, 2025
The negotiations have centered round two main obstacles: assured cash and contract size.
Regardless of the deadlock, Pittsburgh stays dedicated to preserving its All-Professional defender, with sources indicating they’ve little interest in commerce discussions.
Watt is getting into the ultimate 12 months of his present contract scheduled to earn $21 million this season, a determine that falls properly in need of his market worth.
Following Myles Garrett’s record-setting $40 million annual contract with the Cleveland Browns, Watt reportedly seeks to surpass that and set up himself because the league’s highest-paid edge rusher.
Watt’s determination to skip obligatory minicamp sends a transparent message about his contract expectations and unwillingness to simply accept something lower than a profitable dedication from the group.
The 30-year-old performs at an elite stage with 108.0 profession sacks, 4 First-Workforce All-Professional choices, and the 2021 Defensive Participant of the Yr award.
The Steelers face a difficult monetary scenario, significantly after latest roster strikes.
Nonetheless, shedding a participant of Watt’s caliber would create an infinite void on their protection.
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