The Pittsburgh Steelers have already been a major talking point throughout the NFL's media landscape during the 2025 offseason. A lot of that talk has been surrounding the pending quarterback decision, as well as the shortcomings of the 2024 season. Those topics paired with theorizing possible offseason additions have made it seem like the players currently under contract for next year are on the back-burner. However, the Steelers have a pressing internal issue that needs to get handled, which is a contract extension for star outside linebacker, TJ Watt.
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Steelers' TJ Watt during Week 7 of 2024 against the New York Jets on Sunday Night Football.
Watt was drafted by the Steelers with the 30th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, and he has been one of the faces of the organization ever since. He has been one of the best defenders in the league for a long stretch of time, and his tenure in Pittsburgh includes six All-Pro selections as well as a Defensive Player of the Year Award. He is only under contract through 2025, which means General Manager Omar Khan needs to get the star defender an extension.
Pittsburgh has a certain way of doing business. The organization does not discuss contracts during the season, and most extensions get dealt prior to September. In 2024, both Pat Freiermuth and Cam Heyward got their extensions right before the regular season was getting ready to kick off. The Steelers don't have the luxury of waiting until August with Watt, as other star pass rushers around the league are set to get paid as well.
The biggest name on defense that will certainly be getting a new deal is Micah Parsons. He is going into the fifth and final year of his rookie deal, and the Dallas Cowboys will want to get an extension done with Parsons before the 2025 season begins. As of now, he is projected to get roughly $33.7 million per year on a four-year deal worth a total of $134.8 million. For reference, Watt's last extension that he signed in 2021 was for four years and $112 million.
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Cowboys' Micah Parsons during a contest against the Buffalo Bills.
Myles Garrett could also be paid during the 2025 offseason, whether it be from the Cleveland Browns or another organization. Garrett requested a trade, but Cleveland is intent to keep him with the Browns. If he is dealt, the star defender will also sign a new extension with a new team. If Cleveland decides to keep him, he will also likely get a new deal. His value currently sits at $34.3 million per season on a four-year deal worth $137.3 million.
The projected value on an extension for Watt is worth less than both Parsons and Garrett. Spotrac projects Watt to receive $32.2 million per year on a four-year deal worth $128.9 million.
Steelers Must Beat Other Teams In Signing Their Star Defender
Every offseason, there is a position group that has a ton of stars scheduled to get paid. All teams involved want to do it before the others, as the market will likely reset after each new deal. This makes it absolutely critical that the Steelers get a deal done before the Cowboys or the Browns, or some other team in pursuit of Garrett. The value of Watt's extension may go up if the Steelers wait until August while Parsons and Garrett already potentially have their new deals.
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Steelers' TJ Watt meets with Browns' Myles Garrett after a game.
Pittsburgh has plenty of cap space moving forward. The organization is top-10 in the league for the 2025 season, while the team has over $160 million available in 2026. With that being said, it is still important to save money where a team can against the cap. If Pittsburgh wants to be aggressive in free agency and keep homegrown talent around for the long-term, it is crucial to stay vigilant about spending against the cap.
When do you think the Steelers will strike a new deal with Watt? Let us know in the comments below!
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