The Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2025 offseason has gone through several distinct phases — from an exciting start with the trade for DK Metcalf to a surprising draft that didn’t feature a quarterback early, then the trade of George Pickens, and finally the signing of Aaron Rodgers, which brought some clarity to the team’s direction. But one major issue remains unresolved — and it needs to be addressed soon.
T.J. Watt wants a new contract, and it’s a reasonable ask considering he’s still one of the best edge rushers in the NFL and set to become a free agent in 2026. However, negotiations don’t appear to be close to finalized. Head coach Mike Tomlin addressed the situation directly in a recent interview as the team inches closer to training camp.
Mike Tomlin Addresses T.J. Watt’s Contract Situation With the Steelers
In recent years, few defensive players have had the same level of impact in the NFL as Watt. With four All-Pro selections and a Defensive Player of the Year award in 2021, his elite play has been the defining identity of the Steelers’ defense — and one of the biggest reasons the team has consistently reached the postseason despite ongoing issues at quarterback.
With his contract set to expire after the 2025 season, Watt has made his dissatisfaction clear by skipping minicamp while he remains without a new deal. He is currently the seventh-highest-paid edge rusher in the league, earning just over $28 million per year, and wants to become the highest-paid player at the position.
Tomlin addressed the topic and expressed confidence that a deal will eventually get done, though he did not provide a timeline or specifics on the current state of negotiations.
#Steelers coach Mike Tomlin, on the TJ Watt situation now that minicamp has ended: “I’m optimistic we’re going to get things done because we got two sides that want to get things done. When that’s going to occur… I do not know.”
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 12, 2025
“I’m optimistic we’re going to get things done because we got two sides that want to get things done,” Tomlin said. “When that’s going to occur… I do not know.”
This offseason, both Myles Garrett and Maxx Crosby signed massive multi-year extensions that, at the time of signing, made them the highest-paid players at the position. Garrett currently holds that title alone, earning $40 million per year on a $160 million deal — and Watt believes his production in recent seasons stacks up with any of his peers.
In 2024, Pittsburgh’s defense ranked 12th in the NFL according to the PFSN Defense+ Metric — and it might’ve finished even higher if not for a four-game losing streak to close the regular season. Without Watt, the year could have been far worse, and everyone in the organization recognizes his value to the system.
It’s hard to imagine the Steelers allowing Watt to hit the open market in 2026, and a new deal is expected to be finalized in the coming months before the season begins. With Rodgers now leading the offense, this isn’t the time for Pittsburgh to rebuild — it’s time to maximize the window with their stars and finally win a playoff game for the first time since 2016.
