Steelers, TJ Watt Situation Gets Huge Update From NFL Insider

Over the last few months, most of the talk surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers has surrounded Aaron Rodgers. With Rodgers now officially signed, all attention has been turned to the team’s current contract situation with superstar pass rusher T.J. Watt.

Watt has been looking for a new contract extension this offseason. He deserves to be paid more than he’s currently being paid, especially after the Cleveland Browns’ new deal with Myles Garrett was made official.

So far, the two sides have not been able to work an agreement out. However, there is a lot of optimism that a deal will get done before the 2025 season arrives.

It would be a major shock to see the Steelers and Watt part ways. He has played his entire career in Pittsburgh thus far and is one of the players with a rare chance to play for one team throughout his entire career.

Read more: Steelers, Packers Linked to Potential Trade Aaron Rodgers Would Love

With that in mind, an NFL insider has dished out a new major update about the extension talks.

During an appearance on the “Pat McAfee Show,” ESPN NFL insider Peter Schrager spoke out with a new report. It’s a positive report for those hoping to see the Steelers work something out with Watt soon.

“I know both sides are really motivated to get something done here,” Schrager said. “They don’t wanna go into training camp and have this thing drag on. The [Aaron] Rodgers domino fell; DeShon Elliott’s a nice player to have. But this was always gonna be let’s get Rodgers in camp, and I think the T.J. Watt deal has to get done. Now, from what I’m told, both sides want it to get done. Obviously, T.J. Watt’s gonna want a certain amount of money. Question is, is it a game of chicken? Where it’s, okay, T.J. Watt takes a deal that the Steelers offer and then a week later, Micah Parsons blows his deal out of the water and we’re in the same place that we were beforehand.”

Schrager continued on, sharing his intrigue to see which player will get his deal done first. Watt with Pittsburgh or Micah Parsons with the Dallas Cowboys.

Read more: Steelers Ex-WR Drops Eye-Catching Take on Aaron Rodgers’ Future

“So it’s always interesting to see when you’re talking top of the market guys, who is gonna take that offer first? Who’s motivated to get it done first and who’s willing to wait it out?”

Watt is coming off another big-time year with the Steelers in 2024. He played in all 17 games, racking up 61 total tackles to go along with 11.5 sacks, six forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and four defended passes.

Hopefully, the two sides can work out a deal soon, and all focus can go back to the gridiron ahead of the 2025 season.

For more Pittsburgh Steelers and NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.