Time is ticking on T.J. Watt’s contract — and the Steelers need to act fast before Micah Parsons resets the market.
Pittsburgh failed to extend Watt before Raiders DE Maxx Crosby — who took the edge rusher market to $35 million a year. The Steelers looked hesitation once more right in the face and backed down — but this time, Browns superstar DE Myles Garrett took the number to an absurd $40 million per year.
It is rumored that Parsons is looking to become the first ever defensive player to receive a $200 million total contract. Offering Watt a three-year, $122 million contract would not only give him bragging rights over Garrett, but also keep the Cowboys star DE from inadvertently destroying the Steelers’ cap space.
Watt, who will turn 31 years old in October, had one of the worst years of his career in 2024, further proving why the Steelers should have paid him before Crosby and Garrett, as it’s now hard to justify giving him $40 million plus.
The iron is clearly hot, and the Steelers need to strike before Parsons makes Watt un-signable — or worse, forces Pittsburgh to trade one of the best defensive players of all time.