Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher T.J. Watt outplayed the parameters of his current contract, and one analyst blames the team for a lack of foresight. When a talented player earns a raise, you can see it in one of two ways. First, the team paid him for what he accomplished. More than likely, the pay bump serves as a reward for what the player will contribute to the future.
Either way, when the time comes to ink a new deal, most teams will talk to the player’s agent about an extension before the final year of the existing deal. In the rapidly changing world of edge rusher compensation, the Steelers, according to one analyst, possibly waited too long to extend their star defender.
NFL Analyst Criticizes Steelers for T.J. Watt Contract Delay
After Cleveland Browns pass rusher Myles Garrett set the mark for edge contracts, the Steelers need to address the issue with Watt. For his part, the 30-year-old continues to produce. During the past four seasons, Watt tallied 58.5 sacks, 16 forced fumbles, and three interceptions.
In other words, the standout’s performance makes his current deal look like a bargain. With one year remaining, many believe that Pittsburgh needs to immediately open the wallet. “Pro Football Talk” host Mike Florio chides the Steelers for their current inaction.
“They waited too long,” Florio said. “The market’s gone up. The market’s over $40 million now. And you know what’s going to happen? T.J. Watt’s going to sign for over $40 [million], and it’s going to make the Micah Parsons deal more expensive because the Cowboys keep dragging their feet, too”.
In all honesty, Florio is correct in his opinion. The Steelers saw what the Browns did for Garrett and what the Las Vegas Raiders did for defensive end Maxx Crosby. While Garrett and Watt provide similar numbers, the Steelers’ linebacker has been far more productive as a pass rusher against Crosby. Yet, the front office, according to Florio, does have an offer on the table. However, if you’re Watt, what incentive do you currently have to accept it?
With one year remaining, he could bet on himself. Now, with that gamble comes a risk of injury and/or subpar performance. If the injury bug bites Watt, you can erase some of the money on Pittsburgh’s deal. By the same token, if he posts another season with 14+ sacks, the number greatly increases, forcing management to pay even more.
With the uncertainty at quarterback, the team cannot afford its best defender to either not play or leave at the end of the season. Granted, they can use the franchise tag, but all that will do is kick the metaphorical can down the road. Somehow, some way, Watt will get his money.
