Steelers Have Easy Decision to Make

The Pittsburgh Steelers went into the offseason looking to prove that they are a Super Bowl contender. They put all their chips on the table, letting it be known that any move is a possibility - and so far, there have been some surprising ones.

But they aren't done yet. The team has Aaron Rodgers at quarterback, a new tandum at running back, a star wide receiver in DK Metcalf and a new tight end duo by adding Jonnu Smith. On defense, Minkah Fitzpatrick is gone, but Jalen Ramsey is here.

There's one name missing, though.

The Steelers have yet to sign T.J. Watt. And although they aren't trading him, right now, there's plenty of conversation about what the outcome of their tense negotiations are. The two sides don't appear to be very close on a contract extension, and until one gets done, there doesn't seem to be a resolution that results in Watt showing up for training camp.

Of all the decisions the Steelers have had to make this offseason, though, this is the easiest.

The Steelers aren't "all in" without Watt. They don't have Super Bowl aspirations without their former Defensive Player of the Year. And yes, he's 31-years-old and coming off a slump to end the season, but he's not a typical 31-year-old player with a tough year. And his tough year ended with a Defensive Player of the Year nomination.

If Pittsburgh really believes that with Rodgers under center and some massive changes to their roster, they're ready to go on a run, they need to sign Watt. No exceptions.

2025 is a bust if they don't. They don't compete for a Super Bowl and they essentially tell everyone that they did all this work only to lose their best player. That's going to bring a lot more questions than "why did you sign an older player to a record-setting deal?"

The Steelers have an easy decision to make. Their easiest of the offseason. Sign T.J. Watt.