The Pittsburgh Steelers have an uncertain contract situation brewing with superstar edge rusher TJ Watt. It’s no secret what Watt has meant to this fan base and organization since being drafted in 2017. A relentless force on defense, Watt has earned Defensive Player of the Year honors, broken sack records, and become the heart of Pittsburgh’s defense. Despite his personal accolades, however, the Steelers have yet to win a playoff game during his tenure. That fact has drawn attention not because of Watt’s shortcomings, but because of the franchise’s broader struggles.
Watt isn’t to blame for the team’s postseason failures. Year after year, he has been one of the most consistent and dominant players in the NFL, often single-handedly keeping the defense and team afloat. Still, as the Steelers continue searching for answers to end their playoff drought, Watt’s name has entered the conversation.
He is set to play the 2025 season in the final year of his contract. While the team has reportedly extended an offer to keep him in Pittsburgh long-term, Watt has not agreed to the terms. Some even believe he was disappointed with the proposal.
On Friday, Dave Dameshek joined the DVE Morning Show to share his thoughts and concerns about Watt’s contract situation. Dameshek, a respected voice in Steelers media, stressed how loud Watt's silence has been during this offseason.
"The loudest voice of all is the voice that is saying nothing, and that is TJ Watt," said Dameshek. "TJ Watt, I don't know, maybe it's just a money thing. But I think it's plausible that TJ Watt is kind of looking at this and saying, 'I just don't want to be a part of this. This is clownish stuff. I thought the Steelers were one thing, it turns out they're more like the Browns and Jets, and I would just as soon move on from all of this mess.'"
Dameshek delivered some harsh criticism for a franchise once revered for its winning tradition and stability, calling out the modern-day Steelers for slipping into dysfunction.
Comparing them to teams like the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets was a stinging indictment, especially for an organization that once set the standard for consistency and success.
"Realistically, Aaron Rodgers ain't gettin' them to no Super Bowl this year," said Dameshek. "I think everybody gets that besides maybe Aaron Rodgers and definitely Mike Tomlin... So then maybe they draft a rookie next year, and optimistically, he works out and he's great and everything else. But there's never been a rookie who takes his team to the Super Bowl, so it's not going to happen next year. So the next shot, realistically, that TJ Watt has of getting to a Super Bowl is 2027. And at that point, he's 33, and at that point, Cam Heyward retired a year or two ago. What are we doing? This is absurdity."
The big issue working against the Steelers is that the edge rusher market has exploded. The Browns recently gave Myles Garrett $40 million per year, and Watt likely wants to either match or exceed that figure.
The Steelers now have to decide whether Watt will be a part of their long-term future or if they should allow him to test free agency.
Steelers Facing Complex Situation With Star TJ Watt
It doesn’t seem like the Steelers want to move on from Watt, but with his prime years slipping away and no meaningful postseason success to show for it, many are starting to wonder if he’s internally ready for a new opportunity to win. He may not view Pittsburgh as a team that will realistically contend for a Super Bowl during the remainder of his prime.
It’s a complex situation. On one hand, the Steelers understand how important Watt is to their identity and success. On the other hand, paying him that kind of money could limit their ability to rebuild and surround him with the talent needed to compete. From a roster-building standpoint, it may not make sense for them right now.
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