Former Steelers Executive Thinks TJ Watt's Time In The NFL Is Almost Likely Up: "Players Want To Go Out On Top"

The Pittsburgh Steelers have built one of the most expensive defenses in the NFL. That includes having former AP Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) T.J. Watt on the roster, who will have a cap hit of roughly $30.4 million annually through the 2025 season. 

The Rooney family is not known for its generosity regarding contract sizes. However, Watt has been such an incredible force since his rookie year that it surprised no one when the team made him the highest-paid defensive player ever at that time. 

Now entering his seventh season with the team, Watt recently told the media that he feels "old" for the first time. He didn't look old in 2023, as he put up a DPOY-worthy season. He had an interception, four forced fumbles, a league-leading 19 sacks, and 68 total tackles. What is most challenging to believe is that Watt has never won a playoff game. 

That begs the question of how much longer the team will have Watt. Recently, former Steelers executive, Doug Whaley joined the 93.7 The Fan Morning Show to talk all things Black and Gold. During the interview, Watt came up. Host Dorin Dickerson said he could see Watt retiring soon, similar to Aaron Donald.

"I'm on that line of thinking as well, too, because players want to go out on top," Whaley said. "They don't want to be that guy that's hanging around, then he's just a DPP, they only put him on special pass rush situations. And then these young offensive tackles start hemming them up and yakking them up. And he's like, 'Wait a minute.' He doesn't want to go out like that."

Watt will be turning 30 this season, and while he might never be satisfied with what he does, he has exceeded most analysts' expectations. When the Steelers selected Watt 30th overall in 2017, plenty did not think he would live up to his big brother, defensive end, J.J. Watt. 

J.J., now 35, retired at the end of the 2022 season after spending 12 years in the league. He was honest; he did not want to leave the game as a shell of himself. J.J. felt he had to do it while he still had something in the tank, and he did. 

"He doesn't want to go out like that, in my opinion," Whaley added. "I could see that not only with T.J., but with a lot more players because the thing is, the money is so good now, if you get that second contract, and you get that third contract, that's probably three generations that you've provided for. And why are you gonna beat your body up like that? It's time to move on."

All teams aim to hoist a Lombardi Trophy. But for the Steelers, it's more than a goal; it is a way of life. Pittsburgh is tied for the most Super Bowl wins with six, and expectations are high in 2024. The Steelers have been a force for over 50 years. 

Watt isn't the only beloved player getting older; Cam Heyward is already 35 and entering the final year of his contract. His future with the team hangs in the balance, and everyone hopes to get these guys a Super Bowl before they hang up their cleats.  

Steelers' T.J. Watt's Impact Is Impossible To Deny

Watt has earned the respect of his teammates and most of the NFL. He continues to be snubbed by the national media. Despite outperforming Myles Garrett in almost every statistical way possible in 2023, Garrett was still given the AP Defensive Player of the Year Award. 

However, the Steelers' opponents certainly do not downplay Watt's impact. Recently, Los Angeles Rams Head Coach Sean McVay said they planned very carefully for Watt in 2023. Despite that, he intercepted Matthew Stafford and set up six points for the Black and Gold in Week 7. He is such a disruptive force on the field that offenses struggle to minimize his impact. 

How long do you think Watt will continue to play? Click to comment below.

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