For the second straight season, the Pittsburgh Steelers finished with a 10-7 record, once again proving to be a tough, competitive team in the regular season, but unable to deliver in the postseason.
Splitting time between Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, the Steelers never found a true rhythm under center, and their offense struggled to consistently complement a solid defensive unit.
Now, with an offseason full of big decisions ahead, the Steelers could be faced with one of the most unexpected dilemmas in the league. Superstar pass rusher T.J. Watt, the face of Pittsburgh’s defense, is entering the final year of his contract. And according to one NFL analyst, there’s a real possibility that the former Defensive Player of the Year could be available if the Steelers hesitate to extend him?
Could T.J. Watt Be on the Move?
On a recent episode of “Up & Adams,” ESPN NFL analyst Benjamin Solak raised eyebrows with his comments about Watt’s future in Pittsburgh. With just one year remaining on his contract and a massive $30.4 million cap hit in 2025, Solak suggested that the Steelers might have a tough decision to make.
“T.J. Watt’s only got one year left on his deal, and I feel like I would want to just make sure the Steelers were aware they only got one year left on this deal,” Solak said. “And if they didn’t want to extend him, be aware that other teams would be willing to extend him if they wanted him to ship him over there.”
Host Kay Adams responded with some skepticism, saying, “Interesting, I can’t imagine that happening, but crazier s*t has happened.”
Solak doubled down on his stance, noting that Watt’s performance in 2024 wasn’t quite at his usual elite level.
“It was not the best T.J. Watt season last year, and so I wonder if the Steelers are worried about the age a little bit. He was not as fast off the ball, he was not as productive, he’s due $30 million — it’s a weird spot.”
ESPN NFL analyst @BenjaminSolak says teams looking to shore up on defense SHOULD call in about T.J. Watt. 😳 @heykayadams @Steelers pic.twitter.com/SIu04UfiWk
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) February 17, 2025
Steelers Have the Cap Space But Will They Commit to Watt?
According to Over The Cap, the Steelers currently have $53.2 million in cap space, giving them more than enough room to extend Watt if they choose.
However, with their ongoing quarterback uncertainty and other roster needs, Pittsburgh could hesitate to commit another massive deal to a player who, while still dominant, showed some signs of decline last season.
Trading Watt would undoubtedly be a shocking move, but it’s not completely out of the question. If the Steelers believe his best years are behind him and aren’t willing to meet his contract demands, they could explore a trade to get value before he potentially walks in free agency.