Steelers Facing Potential Problem With TJ Watt's Contract
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One of the biggest storylines in the NFL right now has to do with the Pittsburgh Steelers and their current contract situation with superstar pass rusher T.J. Watt.
While the expectation has been and remains that the two sides will work out a new deal, it isn't coming easy. It's clear that there is some form of disagreement about what the value of the deal should be.
Watt has been the face of the Steelers' defense and is now 30 years old. He still has a few good years left in his career and it seems very unlikely that he will leave town. However, the two sides have work to get done to make sure that is the case.
T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after a play against the Cleveland Browns during the second half at Acrisure Stadium on September 18, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after a play against the Cleveland Browns during the second half at Acrisure Stadium on September 18, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Photo byAs the situation continues to play out, there are many different opinions coming in from the media. Most recently, an NFL insider spoke out and revealed a potential issue for Pittsburgh with a new Watt deal.
Read more: Steelers Already Linked to Shocking Move for Aaron Rodgers Replacement
Jordan Palmer spoke out on the Bleacher Report YouTube channel and offered his opinion on the contract situation. He detailed one problem that he sees between the two sides.
"The issue with this is a big swing with Aaron Rodgers. They know how important the defense is gonna be, they know they need T.J. Watt, and a deal is likely going to get done," he said. "But the Steelers' argument is this: that Watt and the defense kind of fell off a little bit the back end of last year."
He continued on, noting the injury issues that Watt has had in recent years. Watt has been able to play through them, but is there risk to giving him a massive new deal?
"He's had some injuries," Palmer stated. "He's battled through them. He's going to be 31 years old. Do you give $100 million guaranteed to somebody like that? I think that's where this battle's going to happen, but I think a deal is going to end up happening."
Read more: Steelers Media Voice Fires Major Shot at Browns' Myles Garrett
Those are very legitimate concerns from Palmer. They also could be exactly what has kept the Steelers from getting something done with Watt to this point.
Last season, Watt played in 17 games. He racked up 61 tackles, 11.5 sacks, six forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and four defended passes. Keeping that production in town will be pivotal to competing for a Super Bowl.
All of that being said, Pittsburgh has a tough decision to make. The two sides will continue talking and it will be interesting to see what happens when it comes to a new contract that keeps Watt in town for the rest of his career.
For more Pittsburgh Steelers and NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
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