The Pittsburgh Steelers now face some uncertainty having traded away one of their msot talented players in George Pickens, but this move should create more clarity as they analyze their future with defensive star T.J. Watt.
Wednesday, the Pittsburgh Steelers finally made their decision on wide receiver George Pickens, trading him to the Dallas Cowboys. Rumors have swirled about this potential move for about a year, so this trade does not come as too much of a surprise.
Nonetheless, there are some considerable questions for the Steelers that arise out of this move. Immediately, the questionable receiving talent comes to mind with DK Metcalf now left to carry the torch for this group.
Then there is the seemingly ever present debate about what they will do with an unimpressive quarterback depth chart. Offensively, there some areas to address before training camp comes around.
But this trade has domino effects that land deeper than moves up and down the depth chart. In fact, this trade impacts Pittsburgh's most important player.
T.J. Watt has teased his intentions of getting a contract extension this offseason through some subtle hints on his social media. He has one year left on his deal and will count $30 million to Pittsburgh's cap in 2025.
The Steelers currently have the seventh most cap space at just over $34 million and that flexibility carries through the coming years. With that in mind, it is imperative the Steelers start working on an extension for T.J. Watt.
Year after year Watt makes his impact apparent and is one of the few defensive forces in the game that can change the complexion of a game on his own. Last year, Watt played in 17 games and finished with 11.5 sacks, made 61 tackles and forced six fumbles.
Watt has proven to be one of the most reliable players not only for the Steelers, but across the league. His presence on their defensive edge is critical to their success, especially with the uncertainty regarding other areas of the projected 2025 roster.
Pickens is now out of the picture, so there are no other candidates on the roster for a major contract adjustment. There are, however, other defensive stars, namely Micah Parsons, waiting on a similar pay day.
The Steelers would be well advised to work with Watt on a deal before the Cowboys potentially reset the market for non quarterbacks.
Watt is a Steeler through and through, having done nothing but produce since he arrived in the Steel City. He deserves what he is due and without another core player on the same timeline, Pittsburgh should make his extension a top priority.
