Pass rushers have enjoyed a massive jump in the market this NFL offseason. Maxx Crosby, Myles Garrett and eventually Micah Parsons and Trey Hendrickson are all examples of new contracts reaching up near $40 million annually for the position.
Pittsburgh Steelers star T.J. Watt now wants a slice of the pie, too.
Watt, who is entering the final year of a four-year $112 million contract, is absent from OTAs as he campaigns for a new deal.
The former Defensive Player of the Year previously had the record for the highest-paid contract at his position when he signed his current deal in 2021. This season without an extension, he'll make $21.05 million on salary and cost $30.4 million total on the cap.
T.J.'s brother J.J., who was once a world-class pass rusher himself, appeared on ESPN Wednesday. Although he didn't address his brother's situation very directly, he did mention some points to consider.
“Ownership and front offices obviously treat this like a business,” J.J. said, “but they do not like it when the players flip the script on them and treat it like a business back.”
T.J. Watt, 30, is entering his ninth season in the league and remains one of the game's best defensive players, despite a somewhat down 2024 season (to his standards).
In 2024, he still racked up 11.5 sacks and a league-leading six forced fumbles. He has led the league in sacks a record three times and owns four First Team All-Pro honors to go with his 2021 DPOY.
It's no question that Pittsburgh wants to keep him in the black and gold, but this holdout now nudges the front office to get the deal done soon.
Watt has every reason to take his time in demanding a new contract. His resume stacks up exceptionally with the rest of the market and his loyal service to Pittsburgh is something the organization typically values.
That is, until they surprisingly dished out $30 million to newcomer DK Metcalf this offseason. If he deserves that treatment, surely the Steelers will pamper Watt equally.
Watt has all the qualifications necessary to potentially be the next highest-paid defensive player ever, it just comes down to when the Steelers agree to make that happen.
For now, Watt has ordered his seat at the table and its Pittsburgh's turn to accommodate.
