Insiders Are Confident the Steelers Will Find Sweet Spot with Star Defensive Player
As the contract talks and holdout between the Steelers and T.J. Watt continue, insiders remain confident that the team will come to an agreement with the All-Pro edge rusher before the season starts. However, there is a clear reason why Watt hasn’t agreed to an extension, which is the guarantees and the length of the contract. With more time passing since Myles Garrett signed his four-year, $160 million deal, the former Wisconsin Badger and Defensive Player of the Year is expected to be the highest-paid defensive player in the league when it’s all said and done. The question now is, “What is the current stage of contract talks?”.
“I would tell you, based upon my read of the situation ... I believe that they will find a way — if not before training camp, then before the season — to get that done.” Tom Pelissero said on The Rich Eisen Show when speaking on T.J. Watt’s situation. “It is gonna be north of Myles Garrett. It is gonna be upwards of $40 million per year, which then, in turn, is going to have an impact on some of these other pass-rushers that are looking for new deals as well.” With the way the market works in the new age of NFL football, the Steelers are losing time and money the longer they wait to sign Watt. They would surely hope to avoid dragging this out until after Micah Parsons gets his deal, which will drive Watt’s price up even more.
The harsh reality for the Steelers is the fact that T.J. Watt holds all of the leverage during these contract disputes. Watt, 30, is at the point in his career where this is likely the biggest deal he will get. Already entering his ninth season, it would be difficult for the team to find reasonable compensation in a trade for the star edge rusher. With that being said, Watt is a known competitor who has a deep love for the game, and any true competitor can only stay away from the game for so long. He knows he’s the centerpiece of the defense, and with him as the anchor, the Steelers can cause a lot of damage this season. I expect Pittsburgh and Watt to come to a reasonable conclusion before training camp ends.
