Cryptic player messages are a staple of the NFL’s long offseason — especially when contract negotiations are involved. In these cases, it’s often hard to tell what’s real news and what’s noise. But as the saying goes, where there’s smoke, there’s fire — and it looks like the league’s next big contract saga may already be taking shape.
T.J. Watt posted a cryptic photo on his Instagram profile, quickly drawing fans’ and analysts’ attention. They wondered what it could mean. One NFL insider even weighed in with a bold take on the situation, fueling the speculation.
T.J. Watt Could Be Looking for a Contract Extension From Steelers
NFL insider Ian Rapoport commented on “Good Morning Football” about the possibility that Watt could be seeking a contract extension — especially in light of recent deals for Maxx Crosby and Myles Garrett and with Micah Parsons likely next in line.
Watt recently posted a photo that some interpreted as a potential farewell to the Steelers, adding even more intrigue to the situation.
From @GMFB: Evaluating TJ Watt’s cryptic instagram post. pic.twitter.com/MjaIzArgeA
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 10, 2025
“So my guess, and this is only a guess… Here, T.J. Watt is in a contract negotiation situation with the Pittsburgh Steelers. We’ve seen several top edge rushers get paid, Myles Garrett topping $40 million. We still have Micah Parsons needing to get paid, we still have Trey Henderson needing to get paid. But T.J. Watt, set to make just $21 million this year, is in that category.”
Rapoport wrapped up his thoughts by saying, “If things were going well, if everything was wrapped up, this would feel a lot more like this — and a lot less like this, right? That’s kind of what we’re reading into it.”
He added that while the contract talks between Watt and the Steelers haven’t exactly gotten off to a rip-roaring start, that doesn’t mean a deal won’t eventually come together — noting that Pittsburgh has worked things out before and emphasizing, “He is a great player who deserves every penny.”
Steelers beat reporter Mark Kaboly also weighed in on the situation, saying that after speaking with a few sources close to the team, he’s convinced that Watt’s photo wasn’t posted by accident — suggesting there’s more behind it than just a random offseason moment.
After talking to people, I'd keep an eye on this #Steelers T.J. Watt contract situation moving forward a little more closely. It doesn't appear that the IG picture (below) he posted yesterday was just by chance. I'd imagine an extension is still going to eventually get done, but… pic.twitter.com/OdPLn1H1jB
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) April 10, 2025
Watt’s situation may be dormant for now among the many offseason storylines in the NFL, but just like Nick Bosa and Garrett once pushed for trades during tense negotiations, this is one to watch closely. The Steelers’ best player might have a few more moves to make.