As the 2025 NFL offseason picks up, one of the most important storylines out of Pittsburgh involves a franchise icon and a contract decision that could shape the team’s future. The Steelers and All-Pro pass rusher T.J. Watt are heading toward a potential crossroads as his current deal nears its final year, and according to league insiders, there’s more going on behind the scenes than just numbers.
A Franchise Legend Enters a Contract Year
T.J. Watt has been the heart of Pittsburgh’s defense since he entered the league in 2017. which was Known for his relentless motor and game-changing ability off the edge, Watt has been a foundational piece of a Steelers defense that has consistently ranked among the NFL’s best. But entering the final season of his deal, questions loom about whether the organization is prepared to offer another major contract or whether both sides may soon be looking at alternatives.
According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, the delay in getting a new contract done isn’t simply a financial stalemate. It could have more to do with how the Steelers view Watt’s recent form and future impact than his past accolades.
What’s Causing the Delay?
In a recent appearance, Florio discussed why Pittsburgh might be hesitant to commit major money again to Watt. He argued that NFL teams rarely pay for past performance, instead focusing on what a player can deliver right now and shortly.
“The NFL isn’t a ‘what-have-you-done-for-me-lately’ league anymore,” Florio said. “It’s ‘what are you doing today, and what do we think you’ll do tomorrow?’ That’s how contract decisions get made.”
In other words, even a player with Watt’s résumé, a Defensive Player of the Year award, five Pro Bowl selections, and a reputation as one of the fiercest edge defenders in the game, isn’t immune from the league’s performance-first mentality.
Recent Decline in Numbers Raises Questions
Watt’s late-season dip in 2024 may be part of a larger role in the team’s cautious approach. He posted fewer sacks and quarterback pressures in the final stretch of the season compared to his usual output, and Pittsburgh’s defense struggled to generate consistent pressure when it mattered most.
That drop-off has reportedly raised some internal questions about how much gas is left in the tank, and whether committing to a new long-term deal would be the right move, particularly with the team needing to make cap space and invest in other key positions.
Still Among the Best, But For How Long?
Despite the slight decline in late-season numbers, Watt remains one of the most feared edge rushers in football. His ability to take over games, draw double-teams, and disrupt offenses remains unmatched when he’s at full strength.
With 96 career sacks and a resume filled with dominant performances, many around the league believe that Watt has plenty left to offer, and that Pittsburgh would be wise to secure his services for at least a few more seasons.
“You don’t just let a guy like that walk without exhausting every option,” one AFC executive told Bal Leagues. “He’s the identity of that defense.”
Trade Possibility Can’t Be Ignored
That said, the Steelers are known for being pragmatic and forward-thinking, especially when it comes to aging stars. If Pittsburgh believes that Watt’s best football is behind him, or if they’re wary of giving a top-of-the-market extension to a 30-year-old pass rusher, a trade could become a very real possibility.
It wouldn’t be the first time Pittsburgh made a tough decision involving a fan-favorite. Just a few years ago, the team moved on from standout wideout JuJu Smith-Schuster and linebacker Bud Dupree, both of whom were once seen as core pieces.
Watt’s value on the trade market would likely still be high, especially for contenders seeking a veteran presence on defense. But moving him would send a clear signal that the franchise is preparing to pivot.
Steelers’ Cap Situation and Long-Term Planning
The Steelers currently find themselves in a moderate cap situation, with several key contracts on the book,s including those for Minkah Fitzpatrick, Najee Harris, and a looming decision on their quarterback position. Extending Watt would require a serious financial commitment, likely near the top of the edge rusher market.
While Pittsburgh has never been a team to shy away from paying its stars, it’s also built a reputation for disciplined roster management, often letting performance dictate future deals.
Bal Leagues Take: A Defining Offseason Moment for Pittsburgh
This is more than a typical contract negotiation. It’s a defining moment for the Steelers’ franchise. T.J. Watt is not only a statistical leader, but also a locker room presence and tone-setter. If the team moves on from him, it will mark a dramatic shift in identity for the defense that has carried the franchise for much of the last decade.
But if they extend him, especially with elite money, they’re banking on at least 2–3 more seasons of top-tier play from a pass rusher who has already logged heavy NFL mileage.
For now, all eyes are on the Steelers’ front office. And for Watt, the next few months may determine whether he ends his career in Pittsburgh or writes a new chapter elsewhere.
Final Word
Watt’s contract drama is just one of many off-field storylines to follow this NFL offseason. For teams that build around defense, and players who lead from the front, decisions like this aren’t just about numbers. They’re about legacy.
