T.J. Watt despatched Steeler Nation right into a frenzy final week with nothing greater than a peace signal.
Whereas theories multiplied on-line, NFL Community insider Ian Rapoport stepped in to offer some much-needed perspective on the state of affairs.
Throughout his look on The Pat McAfee Present, Rapoport addressed the brewing hypothesis, suggesting that Watt is certainly due for a big wage adjustment following Myles Garrett’s latest extension.
Nevertheless, he believes the Pittsburgh Steelers would be the ones dealing with that pay enhance, although no timeline has been established.
“Plenty of occasions these offers occur proper earlier than coaching camp, as a result of, bear in mind, the Steelers have a coverage of not negotiating into the season. So proper earlier than coaching camp is a time, after which proper earlier than the season is a time, like, there have been offers which have gotten completed in Pittsburgh, I believe, just like the Saturday night time earlier than the season. So there may be time,” Rapoport defined.
“Plenty of occasions these offers occur proper earlier than Coaching Camp and there may be time to get a TJ Watt deal completed..
I would not be stunned if TJ Watt was capturing for extra money than Myles Garrett..
I’d guess that Micah Parsons is doing the identical” ~ @RapSheet #PMSLive https://t.co/Nb6DfT9ni5 pic.twitter.com/mWQZWj6zKB
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) April 14, 2025
The notion of Pittsburgh and Watt going separate methods appears extremely unlikely given the group’s historical past with retaining their elite abilities.
The star linebacker’s cryptic Instagram publish sparked fast hypothesis throughout social media platforms, with followers anxiously dissecting what the easy gesture may imply.
Was he signaling farewell to Pittsburgh? Hinting at contract frustrations? Or was it merely an harmless photograph being overanalyzed?
The Steelers sometimes discover methods to maintain their stars once they decide to a participant, even when negotiations stretch longer than followers may want.
Watt’s subsequent contract will possible goal to eclipse Garrett’s latest deal, a goal that appears affordable given his constant manufacturing.
Each gamers stand among the many NFL’s premier cross rushers with comparable statistical output throughout latest seasons.
The approaching months will reveal whether or not Watt holds agency for market-setting cash or finds a center floor with the group.
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