The Pittsburgh Steelers have another issue and it’s not Aaron Rodgers.
While the black and gold’s offseason has been dominated by the four-time MVP, one franchise star has a deal that expires next year with little movement in terms of a breakthrough.
Rodgers has left the door open for the Saints to make a runGETTYBrian Batko, a Steelers insider for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, suggested that T.J. Watt could be upset with how the Rodgers situation has taken precedence over his negotiations.
“Part of me does wonder if T.J. is at least the slightest bit perturbed that this Steelers off-season has been so much more about the pursuit/waiting for a 41-year-old quarterback than locking up the face of the franchise,” he wrote.
Watt is a crucial player for the Steelers and one of the best defensive players in the league.
While Batko is speculating on Watt’s feelings, it’s a fair assumption that he wouldn’t be pleased about how little progress has been made on a new deal.
Much of Pittsburgh’s focus has been on tying down Rodgers, who’s waiting game has frustrated his future teammates.
OTAs for the franchise have already begun and training camp begins next month, but Rodgers is yet to put pen to paper for the Steelers.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero also dismissed the suggestion that Rodgers is committed to joining Steelers.
“I have been told that he has not affirmatively told the Steelers that he’s coming,” Pelissero said.
“There’s all these signs that he’s coming but he’s not affirmatively said, ‘Hey, June 9, book me the ticket, I’m coming in and I’m going to join this team.’ That has not happened as of this point.”
So for many it does come as a surprise that they haven’t locked up Watt, who’s contract negotiations are likely to be difficult as a result of what he is reportedly seeking.
Cleveland Browns edge rusher Myles Garrett set the bar for what an elite player in his position should get paid.
T.J. Watt’s contract expires next year and no movement on a deal has happenedGETTY Tomlin’s plan in Pittsburgh hinges on veteran RodgersGettyThe Browns handed him a four-year, $160 million extension earlier this year — $40m per year.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby signed a three-year, $106.5 million contract extension back in March, which includes an average annual salary of $35.5 million per year.
Watt is likely to be in the same ballpark, with many expecting him to pen a deal that is over $35 million annually for at least four years.
Pittsburgh also made a trade to land star wide receiver DK Metcalf this off-season, giving him a five-year, $150 million deal with $60 million guaranteed, the biggest contract the franchise has ever given a player.
It’s fair to assume that gives Watt even more leverage as he deserves to be paid like the franchise star he is.
Watt is entering the last year of his four-year, $112 million deal, and hoping for a new one ahead of the season.
Despite having a down year statistically be his standards, the 30-year-old is likely to ask for a two or three year extension worth $40 million per year.
Watt is likely to command $40m over a two or three year extensionGettyWatt has also made clear that he wants to remain Pittsburgh, claiming that the ball is entirely in the Steelers’ court.
“I want to be a Pittsburgh Steeler,” said Watt in April.
“I don’t want to leave this place. I want to be part of the solution. I’ve put so much into it here. I want to help Cam Heyward get to where we need to get. I want to be a part of the solution.
Gerry Dulac, another Steelers’ insider for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, has reported that the two sides are discussing a deal, although it’s not proving straight forward.
“In all likelihood, the Steelers will come to some agreement with Watt, their all-time sack leader,” he wrote.
“But it might not be that easy.”
Watt played 17 games last year and racked up 61 tackles, 11.5 sacks, six forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and four defended passes.
In his 121 career games, all in Pittsburgh, he has totaled 462 tackles, 108 sacks, 33 forced fumbles, 12 fumble recoveries, seven interceptions, and 50 defended passes.
It’s clear that the Steelers cannot afford to lose Watt, so expect to see a deal materialize, even if it’s later rather than sooner.
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