The Pittsburgh Steelers are facing a critical decision regarding the future of their star edge rusher, T.J. Watt. With Myles Garrett’s contract extension looming, the Steelers must act quickly to secure Watt’s services before the market resets.
Garrett, the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year, is reportedly seeking a whopping $40 million per season in average annual earnings. This staggering figure would not only make him the highest-paid defensive player in the NFL but also raise the bar for Watt’s impending contract extension.
According to NFL Insider Tony Pauline, the Steelers could be looking at a deal worth $35-37 million per season for Watt. However, if Garrett’s extension is finalized first, the Steelers may be forced to revisit their offer and potentially match or exceed Garrett’s record-breaking deal.
This scenario would put the Steelers in a precarious position, as they would be committing a significant amount of cap space to Watt’s contract. While Watt is undoubtedly a talented player, the Steelers must consider the long-term implications of such a deal.
The last thing the Steelers want is to be stuck with a costly contract that doesn’t yield the desired results. Watt’s production has been impressive, but the Steelers must be mindful of his age (31) and the potential for decline in the latter stages of his career.
To avoid this scenario, the Steelers should prioritize Watt’s contract extension and offer him a deal that reflects his value to the team. A proposed offer of $37 million per season with the first two years fully guaranteed would make Watt the highest-paid edge rusher in NFL history, at least until Garrett and Micah Parsons secure their own extensions.
By acting swiftly, the Steelers can ensure that Watt remains a key member of their defense while also maintaining a semblance of fiscal responsibility. The clock is ticking, and the Steelers must move quickly to secure Watt’s future before the market resets and the price tag becomes prohibitively expensive.
