The Pittsburgh Steelers may be facing a contract standoff with one of their franchise cornerstones — T.J. Watt — and it’s drawing fresh attention following recent comments made by new quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
During a national appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, Rodgers casually mentioned that the Steelers were close to making a “final decision” regarding Watt’s contract situation, prompting insiders to dig deeper. One prominent NFL insider has since revealed that things behind the scenes may not be as smooth as Pittsburgh fans hoped.
According to sources close to the team, Watt is reportedly seeking a contract extension that would eclipse Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett’s recent $40 million-per-year deal, which made Garrett the highest-paid defensive player in league history. Watt, a three-time All-Pro and 2021 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, believes he has more than earned a similar — if not superior — financial commitment from the Steelers.
However, Steelers management appears to be taking a more cautious approach. Despite Watt’s elite production and leadership, Pittsburgh’s front office is reportedly concerned about long-term cap flexibility, especially with Aaron Rodgers commanding a one-year deal worth up to $19.5 million. They also must factor in future deals for key players like Alex Highsmith, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and potentially a long-term quarterback in 2026.
The insider suggests that talks between Watt’s camp and the Steelers have stalled, with both sides unwilling to budge on valuation. Watt, for his part, has maintained professionalism, showing up for offseason workouts and not speaking publicly about the matter. But Rodgers’ mention of a looming decision has fueled speculation that Pittsburgh may be forced to choose between meeting Watt’s demands or facing a potential holdout before the season kicks off.
Rodgers calling attention to the issue may have accelerated pressure on the front office. The veteran quarterback emphasized Watt’s importance to the defense and locker room, suggesting that the team should “do whatever it takes” to keep him long-term.
With training camp approaching, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Pittsburgh locks in their defensive anchor — or risks sparking a major distraction ahead of a high-stakes season.
