As we flip the calendar to the month of July, hopefully everyone had a safe and happy Fourth of July holiday and weekend. Unfortunately it’s time to return to the everyday grind of work. I am no exception.
With that being said, let’s do this. Time for another edition of Behind the Lens — with a different view.
Once again we set our sights on our beloved Pittsburgh Steelers.
We have weathered the Aaron Rodgers storm; as all are aware, he is signed, sealed and delivered to the Black & Gold fold. Next order of business is the drama currently being played out in the form of the T. J. Watt contract negotiations.
If events should have changed between the writing and the publication of this article, then once again it will be a moot point. However, I don’t see that happening anytime in the immediate future. Just my thoughts.
Watt skipped the Steelers’ mandatory minicamp while taking a stand, as he is looking for a long-term franchise deal making him the highest paid NFL edge rusher to date.
Watt has more than proven his worth to the Pittsburgh Steelers since signing his last contract in 2021 – a four-year deal for $112 million with an average salary of $28 million per season. That made Watt the NFL’s highest-paid defender at that point. He is currently in the last year of that contract extension.
After earning a record-setting deal back in 2021 Watt has his sights set on more of the same with this contract. Currently his desire is to become the highest paid edge rusher in the NFL given his performance over the last eight years. To that I ask, why not? He is proven and has been worth every penny of his current contract.
In those negotiations it was reported that the Steelers told Watt point blank that he was lucky to be a Pittsburgh Steeler. His response was that the franchise was fortunate to have him as a Pittsburgh Steeler. Watt is reportedly seeking a long-term deal expected to exceed $40 million annually.
This is a very precarious situation as the hang-up could possibly be the guaranteed money as well as the contract length.
Undoubtedly Watt is one of the NFL’s top defenders, making seven consecutive Pro Bowls. He led the NFL in sacks in 2020, 2021 and 2023 including a record-tying 22.5 sack effort in 2021. Game in and game out his performance and work ethic are impeccable, and without him in the lineup the Steelers defense suffers dramatically. That shows in the won/loss column as more “L’s” have occurred in his absence from the lineup.
Reports have surfaced that the Steelers have a substantial offer on the table. Is that offer similar to other edge rushers in the league? Miles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns signed a landmark deal at age 30 worth $160 million over four years. Houston’s Danielle Hunter, age 31, and the Raiders’ Max Crosby, age 28, have been signed at $35.6 million and $35.5 million per year respectively.
Watt has been the subject of recent trade rumors according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, who reported that multiple teams have contacted the Steelers regarding Watt’s status. From all indications the Steelers have zero intention of trading Watt at this point.
Seemingly frustrated with the franchise from a monetary standpoint, you have to sympathize with Watt’s current mindset. How can you not, as the Steelers have been spending money like a drunken sailor. Pittsburgh has brought in high-end, high-dollar players, including such veterans as DK Metcalf and Jalen Ramsey, to bolster their current roster. You can’t help but agree with Watt as he wonders why those funds weren’t allocated to him.
This situation is far from over. Typically, the Steelers have been known to get their deals done either around training camp at Latrobe or leading up to week one of the regular NFL season.
Reports from the gurus in the NFL’s inner circle have surfaced and will continue to do so as contract talks progress. The rumor mill will continue to be abuzz just like all the posts on social media. I can’t stop it and neither can you, nor can the multitude of fans who make up the Steelers Nation.
Do I anticipate that the Pittsburgh Steelers will trade T.J. Watt ? Hell no, as the backlash and outcry from the black & gold faithful would be unbearable.
However, never say never and never rule anything out.
We shall see what the future holds as far as if T.J. Watt remains a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Photos by Mike Longo Jr.
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