Steelers Sign T.J. Watt: What's Next?

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers finalized the most important piece of offseason business just in time for their training camp to begin. The organization inked superstar edge rusher T.J. Watt to a contract extension after a summer filled with doubt. Watt’s new deal guarantees him $108 million and makes him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL.

The drama is now behind the Steelers, and they can focus all efforts and attention on the 2025 season. But the Steelers have operated in silence this offseason, leaving the door open for more moves before the regular season opens. Anything is possible under general manager Omar Khan, but these two roster improvements are likely to still happen.

Secondary Reinforcements

Now that Watt’s deal is behind the Steelers, they can move on to the next most important piece of business. The team’s secondary was revamped over the summer, but there is one hole remaining. They need to add more talent and depth to their safety position. Whether it’s support behind Juan Thornhill or a player they believe can shoulder the starting role, they cannot enter the 2025 regular season with their current group of safeties.

The list of available players has remained the same for several weeks. The top option is Justin Simmons. Far from the All-Pro he once was with the Denver Broncos, he’s the only starter-level safety on the market. Behind him is Julian Blackmon, who comes with health concerns, as well as Central Valley High School graduate, Jordan Whitehead.

The good thing is that the Steelers won’t need to spend a ton of money to bring any of those options in. It won’t be a game-breaking addition, but the Steelers will round out their secondary and defense before Week 1 of the 2025 regular season.

Aaron Rodgers Gets Another Weapon

The only thing Steelers fans have clamored for more than inking Watt to a new contract is for more offensive help. They’ve been one of the worst offenses in the NFL over the past few years, and the goal is for Aaron Rodgers to lead the offensive resurgence in Pittsburgh. The offensive line is prepared to take a sizeable step forward with center Zach Frazier entering his second season and both starting tackles healthy and ready to impress.

DK Metcalf and Rodgers are seeking to become the new top quarterback-wide receiver combination, but the offense still feels incomplete. Jonnu Smith and Pat Freiermuth give Rodgers two of the best tight ends in football, but the lack of depth on the outside remains an issue. Like the safety addition, the Steelers are unlikely to make another huge swing to improve the roster. Instead, they will most likely opt to sign one of the free agents on the market like Gabe Davis or Amari Cooper. If that doesn’t happen, expect them to be in on any pass-catchers cut during training camp.