TJ Watt’s Unreal Contract Demands Add Fuel to Steelers Drama

31-year-old TJ Watt, who won the DPOY in 2021, has spent all of his career in Pittsburgh after being drafted 30th overall in the 2017 draft.

TJ Watt’s Unreal Contract Demands Add Fuel to Steelers Drama

TJ Watt (Image via Bleacher Report)

The Pittsburgh Steelers continue to be the most talked-about franchise in the league, even after the ever-so-dragging Aaron Rodgers. They also made headlines after trading star safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Miami Dolphins and adding cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith. The AFC North outlet is reportedly facing a huge issue with one of its star players, T.J. Watt.

According to Gerry Dulac, the linebacker, whose contract expires in 2026, has requested that the franchise make him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league. The current highest annual salary for a non-quarterback stands at $40.25 million, held by Cincinnati Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase.

During a recent appearance on The Rich Eisen Show, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Gerry Dulac clarified the bigger picture. Dulac noted that the Steelers need to be financially diplomatic in untangling the Watt contract drama mess.

And the Steelers are looking at it that he’s age 31. In order to accommodate any kind of large contract, it can’t be a three-year deal, it has to be a five-year deal because you need to spread the money out. It’s not a smart business decision for the Steelers, and they know it.

The timing couldn’t be more complicated. In March, division rival Cleveland Browns made Myles Garrett the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. Garett’s $40 million deal was soon trumped by Las Vegas Raiders’ Maxx Crosby. Even that didn’t last long. Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase claimed the title a week or so later, landing the $40.25 million AAV deal.

With a resume similar to Myles Garrett and a star value, the Steelers are bound in a knot to pay the linebacker.

There are all kinds of bizarre trade pitches for TJ Watt amid these trying times

In 2024, TJ Watt notched 11.5 sacks, a drop from his league-leading 19 sacks the year prior. Still, he led the NFL in forced fumbles (6), played in all 17 games, and earned his seventh consecutive Pro Bowl nod. There are a few who question his skills, and a lot of teams who could ideally need someone of his calibre to hold the defensive fort.

TJ Watt
TJ Watt (Image via SI)

In an article for USA Today, Jacob Camenker identified five teams that look like potential landing spots in case of a trade. Amongst the five, Les Snead has put the Los Angeles Rams a step further than the other teams. Snead has previously traded draft picks for proven veterans, and the gamble has also paid off. However, the presence of a premium pass rusher in Jared Verse is a huge question.

Camenker has also listed the Philadelphia Eagles, who are increasingly becoming hotter in these trade talks. Steelers analyst Andrew Fillipponi of 93.7 The Fan floated a trade scenario that he believed could benefit both teams.

Sharing the hypothetical on X (formerly known as Twitter), Fillipponi proposed a player swap that would send T.J. Watt to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for second-year pass rusher Nolan Smith. As part of the deal, the Steelers would also receive a third-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft via the New York Jets.

Despite the apparent impasse and trade noise, there’s still optimism from within. Dulac stated that the Steelers “still believe they are going to sign Watt,” though it’s clear the path forward won’t be a simple one. However, with three weeks to training camp, the Steelers need to hasten to avoid a hold that might affect their chances of finally breaking that playoff win curse.

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