The Pittsburgh Steelers have made a plethora of big moves throughout the 2025 offseason. With multiple new faces on both sides of the ball, Pittsburgh finds itself with one of the better tight end rooms in all of football, while making multiple upgrades to the secondary on defense as well. The Steelers completed a blockbuster deal with the Miami Dolphins most recently, as tight end Jonnu Smith and superstar cornerback Jalen Ramsey were shipped to Pittsburgh in exchange for free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick.
With both Smith and Ramsey officially in Pittsburgh, the team is widely expected to shift their attention towards re-signing superstar defender, TJ Watt. The eight-year veteran is an elite linebacker who is considered to be one of the best defensive players in the league by many. The Steelers' star is currently entering the final year of a four-year deal extension that he signed in 2021, as contract negotiations have reportedly hit a roadblock in recent weeks.
When asked for her opinion on the matter, Steelers insider Brooke Pryor took a moment to share her thoughts as to why she believes negotiation talks between Watt and the Steelers have stalled.
"TJ Watt wants more guaranteed money than the Steelers are currently trying to offer him." Pryor stated. "This is a negotiation that will get done when it gets done."
Pryor then went on to mention that she still believes that a deal will eventually fall into place; however, it may take a while as she expects negotiations to continue on into training camp.
"I still think it does happen, but it's probably going to drag on into training camp."
Pryor's comments may not come as surprising to many, as both Watt and the Steelers are yet to reach common ground regarding an extension. Watt has been a crucial piece on the Steelers' defense his entire career, as the veteran is a four-time All-Pro and seven-time Pro Bowler who seems to get better every season. Despite the speculation, Pryor remains confident that the Steelers will reach an agreement with Watt in the near future as the start of training camp continues to linger.
Watt is expected to remain as an anchor piece on the Steelers' defense throughout 2025 despite the contract talks, as rumors continue to circulate surrounding Watt's participation at training camp in Latrobe.
Watt may prove to play a major role off the field in 2025 as well, as the veteran will serve as an excellent mentor for rookies such as Derrick Harmon and Jack Sawyer. Fans may want to keep a close eye on Watt's situation throughout the remainder of the offseason, as hope remains that an agreement on a deal will be reached sooner rather than later.
Steelers' Ramsey Slated For Big Role In 2025
With training camp beginning next week and Ramsey officially in Pittsburgh, the superstar cornerback is expected to be a full participant in team drills throughout the rest of the offseason.
Ramsey may play a crucial role in the locker room as well, as the veteran will more than likely be an excellent person for Joey Porter Jr. to learn from and the rest of Pittsburgh's young defensive backs. Ramsey may even find himself taking on an expanded role, as the former Dolphin has been rumored to possibly see time at free safety in 2025.
Ramsey, a seven-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro, is an elite defensive back who should have no problem finding his role in the Steelers' secondary almost instantly. The veteran has shined throughout every stage of his career and should provide Pittsburgh with elite coverage throughout his time as a Steeler.
As Ramsey continues to get situated and develop chemistry with his new teammates, fans can expect to get their first glimpse at the superstar practicing in full pads at the start of training camp.
As the Steelers continue to work with Watt towards a contract extension, social media remains optimistic that an agreement will be reached in the near future. Watt may sit out for a portion of training camp as negotiations continue to go on, but the superstar should face no issues picking up where he left off in 2024 among the league's top defensive players. Fans are encouraged to continue to monitoring Watt's situation closely, as an extension is expected to be put in place in the near future.
