The Pittsburgh Steelers have survived high-profile holdouts before, yet T.J. Watt’s absence from offseason workouts feels different. In the same summer that the franchise revamped its roster and expectations, its defensive cornerstone is awaiting a new deal. Fans and pundits are weighing every speculation, even the wild notion of a trade. History, however, suggests a far less dramatic ending.
Why the Pittsburgh Steelers Aren’t Panicking Over T.J. Watt’s Contract Standoff
The Steelers are following a familiar script. Watt’s $112 million extension in 2021 arrived hours before the opener, and the front office cut it even closer with deals for Cam Heyward and Minkah Fitzpatrick.
NFL insiders expect negotiations to heat up once veterans report to Saint Vincent College on July 23, when the clock and headlines create real urgency. All around Watt, the Steelers are handing out money: DK Metcalf got paid, along with raises for newcomers Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith. Yet Watt waits.
“T.J. Watt is not gonna walk because the Steelers tell him, ‘You’re done now.’ I just don’t see it,” Rich Eisen said on the July 2 “The Rich Eisen Show.”
“It would be the silliest thing to do because of what he means to the city, what he means to those fans. But, most importantly, what he means to this team. They’re a different team on defense … they’re a different team period when he’s not out there.”
When Watt isn’t out there — he’s missed 11 games in eight seasons — Pittsburgh is 1-10.
Despite calls being made and teams thinking they can make a play, @richeisen says under no uncertain terms are #HereWeGo trading TJ Watt:#NFL pic.twitter.com/OQqzGjC9Cj
— Rich Eisen Show (@RichEisenShow) July 2, 2025
Numbers support Eisen’s point. Watt has earned seven straight Pro Bowl nods as the quarterback’s worst nightmare. He led the NFL in sacks during the 2020, 2021, and 2023 seasons, including his record-tying 22.5 sack-effort in 2021 when he was named Defensive Player of the Year.
Even after dealing with a lingering ankle issue last season, Watt posted 11.5 sacks and led the league with six forced fumbles.
The bottom line is the Steelers’ record when he’s on the field and effective: 53-21-2 when Watt records at least a half-sack.
“He’s the king of the trifecta, sack, forced fumble, and recovery,” Eisen added. “He’s a game-wrecker, even if he is on the back-nine and showing a little bit of a downward slide, if that is your evaluation.”
Myles Garrett’s Mega Deal Raises the Stakes, but Steelers Stay Patient on Watt
The financial landscape has shifted since Watt signed in 2021. Myles Garrett’s four-year, $160 million pact moved elite edge salaries beyond $40 million in annual value. With the salary cap projected to top $300 million by 2026, the Steelers can cushion a record guarantee by converting roster bonuses into void years.
Eisen continued, “I would be stunned if they say, ‘We’re trading you’ after all of this (the moves they’ve made this offseason). ‘We can’t figure it out. We can’t find a number. We can’t in any way, shape or form sign you to this contract that you’re looking for because down the road we’re gonna regret it’ … When the road and the rubber meetin’ it is now.
“Google all you want, look at all those articles about ‘Best Landing Spots for T.J. Watt.’ It’s anywhere they play football in the NFL. And No. 2: It’s not going to happen.”
While the Steelers are expected to pay his fines once pen is put to paper, Watt accrued roughly $100,000 in fines for missing each mandatory day of minicamp. Per the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the penalties increase to $50,000 per day once training camp begins.
The Steelers, who have handled similar standoffs without lasting animosity, appear content to let the calendar dictate their approach.
