T.J .Watt drawing huge interest across the NFL as Steelers contract uncertainty lingers

The Pittsburgh Steelers are hoping to lock down star linebacker T.J. Watt with a long-term extension that would keep him in black and gold for the rest of his career. But with just one year remaining on his current deal, the All-Pro pass rusher has yet to sign a new contract—leading to his absence from the team’s mandatory minicamp.

T.J. Watt’s current Steelers contract

Watt inked a four-year, $112 million extension back in 2021, making him one of the league’s highest-paid defenders at the time.

“Multiple” teams interested in “unhappy” Watt

His annual average of $28 million still ranks seventh among NFL defensive players. Watt, though, is now reported to be “unhappy with his contractual situation”.

And with no new deal in place and the 2025 season approaching, interest from “multiple” other teams around the league is heating up, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

The 2021 Defensive Player of the Year has been a consistent force on the edge, notching double-digit sacks in six of the last seven seasons. That includes his record-tying 22.5 sacks in 2021 and 11.5 sacks over 17 starts last year.

Steelers desperate to keep face of defense

The Steelers’ front office has made it clear they want Watt to finish his career in Pittsburgh, and talks may intensify in the coming weeks—especially with other big-name defensive players like Jalen Ramsey making moves that could shift the market.

Drafted 30th overall in 2017, Watt has become the face of Pittsburgh’s defense and one of the most feared edge rushers in the league. While the Steelers remain focused on keeping him around for the long haul, the rest of the NFL is certainly paying close attention.

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