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TJ Watt's Condition To Stay With Steelers Revealed

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ernesto Cova | Last updated Jul 2, 2025 2:51 PM ET

The Pittsburgh Steelers just acquired a future Hall of Fame defensive player in Jalen Ramsey.

Unfortunately, they might lose another one.

While they've made it loud and clear that they have no intention whatsoever of trading TJ Watt, the former Defensive Player of the Year wants a contract extension that they might not be willing to give him.

Steelers insider Gerry Dulac said on 'The Rich Eisen Show' that Watt wants to be the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL, and the Steelers know that's not a smart business decision:

"The stalemate is going to be that T.J. Watt wants to be the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league," Dulac said. "And the Steelers are looking at it that he's age 31. In order to accommodate any kind of large contract, it can't be a three-year deal, it has to be a five-year deal because you need to spread the money out. It's not a smart business decision for the Steelers, and they know it."

Watt is looking to eclipse Ja'Marr Chase's $40.25 million per year, and given his history of injuries, age, and position, that's going to be a risky bet by the Steelers.

Dulac reported that both parties aren't close to an agreement, and since the Steelers saw a decline in his production last season, they're not likely to budge.

They still have some time to get a deal worked out, but it wouldn't be shocking to see Watt threaten to hold out or even request a trade if his terms aren't met.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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