T.J. Watt is pursuing a substantial contract extension with the Pittsburgh Steelers ahead of the 2025 NFL season, aiming to become the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history. This pursuit comes amid rising expectations set by other elite defenders securing record deals in the league.
NFL analyst Peter Schrager recently provided insight into why negotiations between Watt and the Steelers have yet to conclude, highlighting Micah Parsons‘ ongoing contract talks with the Dallas Cowboys as a significant factor. Schrager discussed these dynamics during an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show.
He noted the possibility of a strategic standoff,
“From what I’m told, both sides want it to get done, obviously. T.J. Watt is going to want a certain amount of money, question is, if this is a game of chicken. Where it’s Watt takes a deal that the Steelers offer and then a week later Micah Parsons blows his deal out of the water and we’re in the same place we were beforehand.”
This contract negotiation scenario reflects the tension between two top-tier pass rushers competing for the highest contracts, mirroring trends more commonly seen among quarterbacks. Schrager explained the emerging pattern,
“It’s always interesting to see when you’re talking about top of the market guys. Who is going to take that offer first, who’s motivated to get it done first, and who’s willing to wait it out. Often we deal with the quarterbacks this way, but now it’s with the pass rushers.”
Recently, Myles Garrett and Maxx Crosby secured high-value contracts, setting a precedent for Watt and Parsons. Schrager highlighted the competitive nature of this contract race, saying,
“Myles Garrett and Maxx Crosby got theirs this season, and now you’re dealing with T.J. Watt and Micah Parsons, who both believe they should be top of the market. Who gets their deal first? This could really be a game of chicken between those two guys, more so than the team versus the player.”
The Cleveland Browns set the bar by offering Garrett a contract with a $40 million average annual value (AAV), making him the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history. Industry insiders anticipate both Watt and Parsons will exceed this figure. The uncertainty around which player will finalize their deal first is likely delaying an agreement, as the one who signs second may have to offer more to match or surpass the initial contract.
Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin Comments on Contract Progress
T.J. Watt has been a dominant defensive force in the NFL throughout his career, earning four first-team All-Pro selections and winning the Defensive Player of the Year award. Despite the current stalemate in his contract negotiations with the Steelers, head coach Mike Tomlin remains hopeful about finalizing an extension.
Tomlin expressed optimism regarding the situation during an interview shared by Ian Rapoport on The Insiders, stating,
“I’m optimistic we’re going to get things done.”
The Steelers’ offseason has included several notable moves, such as replacing wide receiver George Pickens with DK Metcalf and signing veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Amid these roster changes, T.J. Watt’s contract talks remain the primary unresolved issue. Tomlin’s comments suggest that while the process may be slow, a resolution is expected within the year.
Implications for the Steelers and Defensive Market
The outcome of T.J. Watt’s contract talks holds significant implications both for the Steelers and the broader defensive market in the NFL. Securing Watt at a top-tier salary would reaffirm Pittsburgh’s commitment to one of the league’s premier pass rushers and maintain their defensive identity.
Furthermore, this negotiation reflects a broader trend where elite defensive players are increasingly commanding contracts comparable to those historically reserved for quarterbacks. The competitive tension between Watt and Parsons underscores a shift in NFL contract priorities, with pass rushers now wielding greater leverage.
As the offseason advances, attention will remain fixed on how these negotiations conclude and whether Watt will indeed become the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history, potentially setting a new benchmark for future defenders nationwide.