Jan 4, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson (91) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) talk after the game at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Pittsburgh Steelers Fans Hit With Brutally Honest TJ Watt Departure Take by Team Reporter

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics | By Rex Villas | Last updated May 29, 2025 10:59 AM ET

The offseason for the Pittsburgh Steelers has been filled with intrigue. The contract extension saga of star linebacker TJ Watt is among the big stories out of Pittsburgh, as he continues to await for a new deal.

Adding to the drama was Watt’s decision to skip the voluntary OTAs. While it’s unclear what Watt’s reason is for his absence, it’s not a stretch to think that it could be largely due to his contract situation.

Watt is entering the final year of his contract, which has a base salary worth $21.5 million in the 2025 NFL season.

Pittsburgh Steelers reporter shares eye-opening take if Watt leaves

If Watt and the Steelers fail to come up with a new extension, he could end up being a superstar trade bait before the deadline. Others have gone as far as to suggest that the seven-time Pro Bowl pass rusher should be traded by Pittsburgh, thinking that the Steelers have not won a playoff game with him anyway.

That notion, however, was shut down by Steelers reporter Mark Kaboly.

Posted Kaboly on X (formerly Twitter): I hear fans say that the Steelers haven’t won a playoff game with T.J. Watt, so they should trade him. My response: “True, but they sure the hell aren’t going to win a playoff game without T.J. Watt.”

According to Spotrac, Watt has a calculated market value worth $36.6 million in average annuial value for four years.

Watt is the heart and soul of the Steelers’ stop unit. It’s tough for Pittsburgh to find a replacement who could fill his void in the event that the two sides end up parting ways.

In 121 games for the Steelers so far in his pro career, Watt has racked up 108.0 sacks and 225 quarterback hits.

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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