The squabble between the Pittsburgh Steelers and T.J. Watt doesn’t show signs of ending as the start of training camp becomes dangerously close. The Steelers’ six-time All-Pro pass rusher could sit out to start training camp if he isn’t traded or signed to a new deal.
Money isn’t an obstacle in talks, as Watt seeks to make money closer to his peers, such as Maxx Crosby, who signed a new deal this offseason.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are willing to pay T.J. Watt $40 million
Per Nick Farabaugh of PennLive, the Steelers are willing to pay Watt in the territory of what the Cleveland Browns gave Myles Garrett, but they don’t want to give Watt a third year of guaranteed pay.
“Sources tell PennLive raw money is not a holdup,” Farabaugh wrote. “The Steelers are willing to make Watt the highest-paid non-quarterback per year, which means more than Garrett’s $40 million per year.
“The issues? Sources say a third-year guarantee in the contract, as well as contract length, continue to be the points holding the Steelers back from signing Watt now. The deal does not seem all that close, either. Watt also has no reason to kowtow to his demands and sign the deal now, with other edge rushers waiting for their contracts.”
Watt is coming off a strong 2024 campaign
Watt, 30, is coming off an 11.5 sack season in 2024. He recorded 19 sacks in 2023. While he’s showing no signs of slowing down, three years can be a lot for a player who has an injury history.
The summer of 2025 is an offseason filled with stories of arguments on fully guaranteed deals. Watt isn’t looking for a fully guaranteed deal, but the length of the guarantee is the issue.
Essentially, the Steelers are worried about not having an out by 2027 and being on the hook for $120+ million at a time Pittsburgh will likely be rebuilding with a new quarterback.