The Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly attempting to extend star linebacker T.J. Watt’s contract, but not at the record-setting levels seen in recent deals for other elite defenders like Myles Garrett. While the team’s offer is described as “substantial,” insiders suggest it falls short of the $40 million per year figure that Garrett recently secured with the Cleveland Browns. This has raised speculation and tension around Watt’s contract status, particularly as he did not attend voluntary Organized Team Activities (OTAs), which many see as a sign of discontent or negotiation strategy.
T.J. Watt, 30, is in the final season of the four-year, $112 million deal he signed in 2021. That contract made him the highest-paid defensive player at the time, averaging $28 million per year. Since then, the market has shifted. Garrett, another dominant edge rusher and Watt’s longtime statistical rival, recently inked a five-year deal worth $200 million — $40 million annually — setting a new standard for defensive players. Watt’s camp is reportedly seeking a contract extension that reflects not only his past production but also the current state of the market, which has inflated significantly for top-tier pass rushers.
Watt’s value is difficult to overstate. In 2021, he tied Michael Strahan’s NFL single-season sack record with 22.5 sacks and earned the Defensive Player of the Year award. He remains the cornerstone of the Steelers’ defense, providing leadership, consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and an elite level of play that few defenders can match. Even as he ages, Watt continues to perform at an All-Pro level, making his argument for a raise — perhaps even surpassing Garrett’s deal — all the more reasonable from a performance standpoint.
However, the Steelers are known for being conservative with their salary cap management, especially under owner Art Rooney II. Historically, Pittsburgh has not been eager to reset the market with massive deals, and while they clearly value Watt, they may be unwilling to cross a certain financial threshold. Rooney has publicly stated that the team wants to keep Watt “for the long haul,” but the definition of “long haul” and the financials that go with it remain to be seen.
According to team insider Mark Kaboly, the Steelers have indeed made a “pretty significant” offer to Watt. Still, co-host Chris Mack of 93.7 The Fan clarified that the offer does not approach Garrett’s territory. That puts Watt in a position of power — he can either wait until the end of the season to test the market or apply pressure on the front office now, potentially by missing training camp or preseason practices.
Ultimately, both sides appear motivated to get a deal done, but there’s a clear gap between what the Steelers are willing to pay and what Watt believes he’s worth. The situation could escalate if no agreement is reached before the season begins, potentially leading to a standoff. For now, fans and analysts alike are watching closely to see whether the Steelers will break their usual mold and reward one of the franchise’s greatest defenders with a contract worthy of his impact — even if it doesn’t quite match Myles Garrett money.
