T.J. Watt has been one of the most productive and best defenders in the league since arriving on the scene for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Nearly a decade into his career, he’s also forged an incredible resume with accolades galore. But he’s currently embroiled in a contract dispute with the organization.
Entering the final year of his deal, Watt could be in line for a massive extension. But, 31 at the time the new contract kicks off, the Steelers have to be mindful of their spending as well, leading to a stalemate between the two. However, one insider has an idea of how Pittsburgh can make the deal work.
T.J. Watt Could Be Back With a Caveat
After a solid career at Wisconsin, the heir apparent to the Watt family was drafted 30th overall by the Steelers in 2017. Since then, he’s solidified himself as one of the most dangerous players in the entire football landscape.
A seven-time Pro Bowl and six-time All-Pro selection, he has the most seasons leading the league in sacks in NFL history at three. He’s also the only player to lead the league in sacks in back-to-back years, including the most sacks in a single season at 22.5.
A former Defensive Player of the Year, Watt is entering the final season of his four-year contract signed in 2021, worth $112 million. But the asking price for defenders has risen meteorically after both Maxx Crosby and Myles Garrett reset the record for highest-paid defenders in league history.
At $40 million, the price might be too high for a 31-year-old with some injury concerns in his past. However, Steelers insider Chris Adamski of the Tribune believes they can make it happen in a “creative” way.
During an appearance on “#1 Cochran Sports Showdown,” he broke down the franchise’s master plan. “I think what they’ll do is find a way to creatively make the average annual value look $41 million or $40.5 million.”
But in reality, “You can creatively add void years or non-guarantees, things like that. You can make it so everybody sort of wins, where T.J. gets to say he’s the highest-paid defensive player, and the Steelers maybe don’t commit the five years.”
For a player who is still as productive as ever, it isn’t out of Watt’s reasonable expectations to demand the right compensation. Over the last two years, he’s tallied 30.5 sacks, including a monstrous 19-sack year in 2023.
Age is a concern that could make Adamski’s creative solutions a real possibility. But the heart and soul of a Pittsburgh defense that has allowed head coach Mike Tomlin to continue his streak of no losing seasons will need the right price tag.