What We Know About T.J. Watt's Contract Situation Following Steelers' Big Trade

The Pittsburgh Steelers are continuing to add players with Pro Bowl pedigree to their roster, with their trade for Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith being the latest such additions this offseason. However, the Steelers' situation with their top Pro Bowler remains unresolved.

Star edge rusher T.J. Watt is still seeking a long-term deal with the Steelers after holding out from mandatory minicamp. The Steelers' trade with the Miami Dolphins seemed to only shine a brighter light on Watt's contract situation. 

A pair of conflicting reports emerged on Watt's status shortly after the trade. ESPN reported that teams have been discussing whether they should pursue a trade for Watt, with Monday's deal only making a possible pursuit for a seven-time Pro Bowler more likely. NFL Media, meanwhile, reported that the Steelers have no intention to trade Watt and are hoping to sign him to an extension.

Watt, who'll turn 31 in October, is entering the final season of a four-year, $112 million and is due $21.05 million for the 2025 campaign. While his contract made him the highest-paid defensive player when he signed it in 2021, Watt has been usurped by several players since then. Fellow edge rushers Myles Garrett (Cleveland Browns), Danielle Hunter (Houston Texans) and Maxx Crosby (Las Vegas Raiders) each signed extensions this offseason that reset the edge rusher market. 

Garrett's four-year, $160 million extension was the richest of the bunch, making him the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history when he signed in March. Hunter and Crosby aren't too far behind Garrett, though, with the former signing a one-year, $35.6 million extension and the latter a three-year, $106.5 million extension. With those deals, Watt's contract is now the