The Pittsburgh Steelers have had one of the more tumultuous off-seasons in recent franchise history. They’ve been locked in a “will he, won’t he” saga with Aaron Rodgers for months, and four-time All-Pro TJ Watt recently sent a cryptic message, sparking trade rumors.
One Steelers Insider believes the two issues are linked.
Is Aaron Rodgers’ Indecision Holding Up an Extension For TJ Watt?
Watt has been the heart and soul of the Pittsburgh defense since the team drafted him in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He’s been the NFL sack leader three times in his eight-year career, including 22.5 in 2021. Watt signed a four-year, $112 million extension heading into 2021 and won Defensive Player of the Year.
He’s set to enter the final year of that extension, and Myles Garrett’s massive deal makes Watt’s seem puny. The four-time All-Pro is the seventh-highest-paid EDGE defender, but his accolades outweigh everyone higher on the list.
Garrett’s new deal will pay him $40 million per year once it kicks in. Watt’s final year will pay him just over $30 million. The eight-year pro will turn 31 this season, so he’ll likely only receive one more big-money contract in his career.
His cryptic post sparked rumors that he wanted out of Pittsburgh, but it appears to be a posturing move for more money. Steelers Insider Mark Kaboly recently offered his thoughts on the Watt situation and believes that Rodgers’ indecision is holding up a deal.
Kaboly believes the hang up with Watt is Rodgers: “I think the hang-up is, the Steelers wanna see what Aaron Rodgers is gonna get and whatever is left, they might say, okay, T.J., this is it.” #Steelers #NFL
— Blitzburgh (@Blitz_Burgh) April 14, 2025
A recent tweet from Blitzburgh highlighted Kaboly’s comment, saying, “Kaboly believes the hang up with Watt is Rodgers: ‘I think the hang-up is, the Steelers wanna see what Aaron Rodgers is gonna get and whatever is left, they might say, okay, T.J., this is it.’ #Steelers #NFL”
Pittsburgh and Rodgers have yet to come to an agreement, despite reports that the quarterback’s in-house visit went well. The Steelers seem like the only team willing to give Rodgers a chance to start next season, but the 20-year veteran remains a free agent.
The Steelers have $28.3 million in effective cap space for 2025, according to OverTheCap. That will be divided amongst the team’s draft class and Rodgers if he decides to sign with Pittsburgh. He made $37.5 million per year with the New York Jets, but he shouldn’t command that much money.
Rodgers threw for 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions — making 2024 one of the worst statistical seasons in the 10-time Pro Bowler’s career. Rodgers’ contract would only affect Watt’s extension if it’s for longer than a year. The former Green Bay Packer would be a short-term quarterback solution, but could have long-lasting effects if Watt become disgruntled.