Steelers have reportedly made final decision on T.J. Watt and his future in Pittsburgh

T.J. Watt, one of the Pittsburgh Steelers‘ biggest stars, still doesn’t have his contract situation resolved heading into the upcoming season. With uncertainty looming, speculation continues to grow about what the near future might hold — whether it’s a potential trade or a significant contract extension, both options remain on the table for the standout defender.

Much has been said about what could happen with one of the league’s top defensive players at his position, though some believe the franchise may have already made a decision on how to move forward.

According to the latest report from NFL insider Jeremy Fowler, all signs point to Mike Tomlin’s team having no intention of parting ways with the linebacker. As of now, the biggest hurdle appears to be resolving the financial aspect of the situation.

“I talked to somebody with the team who said, ‘Look, these are complicated deals to do, but we are working on it. We want T.J. Watt here,’” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler firmly stated on SportsCenter.

TJ Watt, edge rusher of the Pittsburgh Steelers

“It’s guaranteed money, and it’s term length. A lot of the details, they get sticky this time of year, especially as you’re leading up to training camp,” the insider also added.

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What is T.J. Watt’s current contract situation?

As T.J. Watt approaches the culmination of his four-year, $112 million contract—a lucrative deal inked in 2021 that featured $80 million fully guaranteed—he’s poised to command a new deal that would make him the highest-compensated edge rusher in the league. He’s clearly looking to reset the market for premier pass rushers, a testament to his consistent elite performance.

Despite the linebacker’s clear intent to make a major financial splash in the NFL, achieving that goal won’t be easy. The Steelers may be facing financial limitations that could prevent them from offering the kind of numbers Watt is aiming for.

Pittsburgh is one of only three franchises that maintain a highly restrictive approach to player contracts, a strategy that increasingly disadvantages them. In a market where edge rusher salaries frequently surpass $25 million annually with substantial guarantees, this conservative stance puts this franchise at a notable competitive disadvantage, especially when trying to secure top-tier talent.

How much would the Steelers lose if Watt leaves?

There’s no doubt that T.J. Watt’s breakout into the league back in 2017 was one of the most pleasant surprises, eventually turning him into a cornerstone at his position. Because of this, it would become a major problem if Mike Tomlin couldn’t count on him for the upcoming season.

He’s an undeniable force on the field, boasting 108 career sacks, a total that places him fourth among all active NFL players. This impressive statistic is complemented by a decorated resume, featuring four First Team All-Pro selections and the prestigious 2021 AP Defensive Player of the Year award, underscoring his consistent dominance as a premier talent.