Extend T.J. I Don't Think So

I’ve watched T.J. Watt for his entire career, and he’s produced some great moments, the obvious one being when he tied the sack record. However, reports of him wanting $40 million per year for his next contract make me not want him back at all. I was one of the biggest Watt defenders from 2020 to 2023, especially when it came to the Myles Garrett debate. But sadly, that debate isn't much of a debate anymore. I don’t even think T.J. is a top-three edge rusher anymore, I’d rather have Garrett, Micah Parsons, and Maxx Crosby. Most of that has to do with T.J. being on the north side of 30 and turning 31 when he's up for an extension. But I ask Steelers fans: what has T.J. really done down the stretch these last few seasons? The answer is not much. And yes, I know the same old excuses: “He’s been hurt.” But that, again, is another concern I have when it comes to giving a 31-year-old a $40 million extension.

To put things into perspective, T.J. Watt didn’t record a sack in 10 of the 18 games last season. He was a ghost in the last three games. He finished 8th in the league in sacks and has regressed every year since his historic season. I’m not saying he isn’t still a great player, but his age and recent production have left a lot to be desired. Now, the real yinzers will tell you, “The Steelers are 1-11 in games without him!” And yeah, that’s true, but what makes you think he’s going to take another step forward after playing mediocre football the last two seasons?

The likely outcome is the Steelers giving in, with Art Rooney being buddy-buddy with all the players and showing no spine. T.J., because of his pride, wants to be the highest-paid edge rusher in the league, and the Steelers would be fools to agree to that. While he’s still a good player, they should look to get as much value out of him as they can unless he’s willing to come down from that number. Sadly, the Steelers are stooges and will continue letting the players run the organization. They did it with AB, they’ve done it with Pickens, even Rodgers is using them (and he’s not even on the team), and now, T.J. is next.