There’s one huge storyline remaining on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ radar as we inch nearer to coaching camp, and it revolves round T.J. Watt. The star edge rusher is getting into the ultimate yr of his contract in Pittsburgh. Over the previous few weeks we’ve heard loads of rumors relating to these negotiations, together with the thought Watt might develop a commerce market. The newest report comes from NFL Community’s Tom Pelissero, who believes Watt will ultimately signal an extension in Pittsburgh. When he does, Pelissero thinks it’ll reset the market.
“I’ve stated repeatedly right here and elsewhere, I consider that they may discover a approach, if not earlier than coaching camp then earlier than the season, to get that performed,” Pelissero stated, talking on The Wealthy Eisen Present this week. “It will be north of Myles Garrett. It will be upwards of $40 million per yr…All I might inform you Wealthy, it’ll be huge cash. I consider we’re going to see a reset within the edge market once more.”
Pelissero mentions Myles Garrett, who’s making $40 million per yr on his present extension with the Cleveland Browns. After requesting a commerce earlier than that extension, the Browns handed him an enormously giant contract in comparison with his friends. Coming in after him are Maxx Crosby and Danielle Hunter, every of whom are making roughly $35 million yearly. Pelissero’s confidence is differs from colleague Ian Rapoport, who sounded far much less sure of Watt topping Garrett.
Garrett deserves his cash however the actuality is his huge deal modified the feel of the go rush market, impacting Watt. Pittsburgh has had an eventful offseason however might’ve prevented the difficulty had a contract with Watt gotten performed at first of the offseason. That delay has pushed up Watt’s price ticket.
Watt’s worthy of a big-money deal. He’s been the heartbeat of their protection for years now, and so they simply don’t win when he’s not on the sector. But, over $40 million per yr is quite a bit to decide to a go rusher over the age of 30. Some recommend buying and selling Watt however Pelissero notes Pittsburgh would battle to seek out an applicable return.
“What are you able to get at this level for T.J. Watt?” Pelissero requested. “For one factor, a 2026 draft choose doesn’t enable you to. However even if you happen to had been getting a 2026 draft choose, is any person giving up a first-round choose and extra for T.J. Watt? Once more, by no means say by no means, however when the Bengals had been purchasing Trey Hendrickson earlier this offseason. They had been asking for a first-round choose. They weren’t being supplied a first-round choose for a man who led the league in sacks final yr.”
“They’re nearly the very same age. They’re each asking for a brand new contract. Trey Hendrickson has been asking for lower than T.J. Watt has been asking for, and so they [Bengals] didn’t get supplied a [first-round pick].”
Pelissero makes a great level right here. This offseason has taught us that nothing is off the desk. However buying and selling Watt actually doesn’t make a variety of sense. Given his age and looming contract, groups will likely be much less inclined to surrender a high-prized draft choose. Pittsburgh’s haul might find yourself feeling hole.
Finally, Pelissero doesn’t see a situation during which Watt will get dealt. He’ll seemingly obtain his extension, it simply is dependent upon how a lot that’s price. In line with a prime insider, it’s going to prime the present market.
