Can the Steelers signal T.J. Watt to a brand new contract extension earlier than coaching camp?
The Steelers are “actually motivated” to signal T.J. Watt to a contract extension earlier than coaching camp, in keeping with Peter Schrager. Even assuming that’s right, it has no bearing on whether or not it’s reasonable. In any case, he didn’t signal his final extension till days earlier than the season, and, nicely, he’s a riskier signing this time.
The rationale the Steelers’ contract extension for T.J. Watt went right down to the wire in 2021 was attributable to precedent. He managed to make them break their precedent, guaranteeing the primary three years of his contract. However Watt is older now, and he form of trailed off late final season. Are they nonetheless prepared to ensure a number of years on an over-30 participant who’s presumably previous his prime?
It will seem that T.J. Watt desires his contract extension to replicate a perception that he’s the perfect defender within the NFL. Myles Garrett’s contract with the Browns considerably difficult that, however that is just one hurdle. We will’t say definitively, however the assured cash could matter extra to Watt than the entire.
Though the Steelers reportedly signed DeShon Elliott to a contract extension, Watt will take extra doing—much more doing. This might be probably the most vital contract that they offer out shortly, and it’s a tough one. To what diploma do you anticipate a drop-off in Watt’s efficiency as he ages?
He gained’t be glad to listen to that, nevertheless it’s one issue the Steelers have to think about earlier than handing T.J. Watt a contract extension. What participant will he be by the tip of it, and what’s the threat of discovering out? Would they dare supply him one other three years assured, by way of the 2027 season? That will take him by way of his age-33 season, and it’s not unreasonable to imagine he’s nonetheless balling by then.
And T.J. Watts don’t develop on bushes, so it’s important to chunk the bullet typically, because the Steelers may on this contract extension. They could actually like Nick Herbig and Jack Sawyer, however Watt is a generational participant. Steelers followers like to argue he’s higher than Garrett or Micah Parsons—till it comes time to pay him.
The Steelers are rebuilding, or reloading, no matter they really feel the necessity to name it, after one other disappointment final season. Although they limped into the playoffs, they as soon as once more embarrassed themselves therein.
Similar to final yr, the most important query hanging over the Steelers is the quarterback query. Whereas they finally traded George Pickens, they produce other selections to make. The 2025 NFL Draft class is now behind us, so a lot of the roster development is full.
However we nonetheless have an extended offseason forward for Steelers soccer, or soccer in shorts. At the least we will lastly put the Aaron Rodgers state of affairs to mattress and transfer on to different issues. Now it’s about evaluating the roster in place and filling holes as we go.
