The Pittsburgh Steelers and star linebacker T.J. Watt are said to be fighting tooth and nail behind the scenes to get a new contract extension done ahead of the training camp opening.
Both teams are "motivated" to complete a deal and not let unnecessary distractions creep in as the 2025 NFL season looms on the horizon.
Watt's Holdout Puts Pressure on Steelers Front Office
During his appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show," ESPN insider Peter Schrager revealed that both sides are "motivated" to get something done. Simply put, the Steelers and Watt do not want to have this thing drag on.
Watt's decision to hold out on the team's required minicamp last week ratcheted up the pressure on the Steelers' front office. Though contract talks continue, the All-Pro outside linebacker's absence shows an unequivocal message: sign a deal that conforms to his elite play before returning to the field.
Schrager pointed out that the scenario is not one of team-versus-player hostility. Rather, it's part of a broader market dynamic of top-level defenders looking for new deals. Watt's future pay may simply hinge on how much value other teams place on similar talent over the next few weeks.
Micah Parsons Could Reshape the Defensive Market
One of Watt's largest wild cards in negotiations is Dallas Cowboys phenom Micah Parsons, who is also expected to sign a historic extension this offseason.
Parsons, who just turned 26, has become one of the most dominant defensive players in the NFL. His next deal, per ESPN's Adam Schefter, could make him the highest-paid defender in league history, topping recently signed extensions for Myles Garrett and Maxx Crosby.
According to Bleacher Report, this potential megadeal could dramatically alter the financial picture for edge rushers, which is why the Steelers are said to be desperate to sign Watt before the Cowboys complete Parsons' contract.
Myles Garrett and Maxx Crosby Already Upped the Ante
Earlier this off-season, Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett signed a new high-water contract at $40 million a year, shattering the brief record of Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby, who two weeks earlier signed for $35.5 million a year. Those two super-sized deals have heightened expectations league-wide.
With the pass-rusher market still on the rise, the Steelers would likely have to provide T.J. Watt with a deal that mirrors his output and stardom. Watt, who will be 31 in October, is still one of the NFL's best sack masters and one of the mainstays of Pittsburgh's defense.
Trey Hendrickson Seeking Extension in Cincinnati
Compounding the market pressure, Trey Hendrickson, the 2024 NFL sacks leader for the Cincinnati Bengals, has been said to have reopened extension discussions with his club, per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.
Similar to Watt and Parsons, Hendrickson is likely going to get paid top dollar, and this offseason will be one of the most contract-loaded times for elite defenders.
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