The Steelers were excited after trading for Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith, freeing up some cap space before either player even arrived in Pittsburgh. However, that same cap maneuvering has reportedly frustrated franchise cornerstone T.J. Watt, who still hasn’t received the contract extension he’s seeking.
“Everybody just has assumed that, rightfully, the two sides will figure it out,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter said. “But I don’t think they’re very close right now, and I don’t think he’s particularly pleased.”
There appears to be a significant holdup in contract negotiations between Watt and the Steelers. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the sticking points revolve around the guaranteed money and length of the deal.
“It’s guaranteed money, and it’s term length. A lot of the details, they get sticky this time of year, especially as you’re leading up to training camp,” Fowler said during an appearance on SportsCenter Saturday morning. “I talked to somebody with the team who said, ‘Look, these are complicated deals to do, but we are working on it. We want T.J. Watt here.’”
Fowler also floated a possible trade destination that could satisfy both sides — and it would bring Watt back to his home state.
“I’m gonna make T.J. Watt happy, the player — hey, come home to Wisconsin,” Fowler said. “Play for the hometown, home area Packers. The Green Bay Packers are actually low key looking at the pass rush market around free agency, potential trades, potential signings. They have some new cap space after they moved on from Jaire Alexander, the star cornerback. Why not use that money and make T.J. Watt the highest-paid edge rusher?”
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As for the details of a potential trade, Bleacher Report’s Mitch Milani laid out a proposal: Watt would head to Green Bay, while the Steelers would receive wide receiver Romeo Doubs and additional draft capital in return.
Such a deal could work for both parties. Watt would return to Wisconsin, get the payday he wants, and join a defense in need of a proven pass rusher. Meanwhile, the Steelers would gain offensive support and future assets — something that aligns with both team needs and financial flexibility.