The Pittsburgh Steelers have made some questionable decisions in recent years, but they appear to be committed to continuing to compete at the highest level after signing Aaron Rodgers to a contract earlier in the week. Rodgers, despite his age, still has plenty left in the tank, and if things go as planned, the Steelers could be a team to watch out for. 
However, it’s also important to note that the Steelers have an upcoming contract situation with T.J. Watt, who is holding out of training camp due to his unresolved contract. Watt, arguably the best edge rusher in the NFL, is looking for a potential record-setting deal.
With some not expecting the Steelers to hand that out, others believe that the Philadelphia Eagles could be the favorite to land him. That includes a recent betting odds prediction from BETOnline, which ranked the Eagles as the most likely landing spot for the superstar.
The Sporting News had the following to say about the situation, adding that it might be unlikely due to the contract they’d have to hand out.
“The Eagles not only have a glaring need at EDGE rusher, but have a mother-load of 2026 draft capital and ample amounts of cap space. That’s enough for BetOnline to rank Philly as the most likely landing spot for Watt if he leaves the Steelers, placing their odds at +300. The 49ers (+400), Lions (+600), and Patriots (+700) are next in line. This is Howie Roseman we’re talking about here, so anything is possible.
“But we wouldn’t go rushing to get those virtual bet slips in just yet. While Watt is a transformative talent and arguably the top game-wrecking pass rusher in the NFL, you’re not only trading premium draft capital for the superstar player, you’re trading for his entire situation,” Ryan Oleary wrote.
Steelers’ Stance on Watt
The Pittsburgh Steelers have to hope that Watt won’t leave for nothing when he has the opportunity to. In that event, the Philadelphia Eagles make even more sense, as they wouldn’t have to trade any draft capital.
However, when speaking to reporters, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin made it seem like the Eagles or other teams around the league won’t have a chance to grab him.
“Um, no,” Tomlin said when asked if he had anything specific to say regarding Watt’s holdout, per CBS Sports. “Certainly, we’d like him to be here, but certainly not surprised by where we are. We’ve expressed a desire to get the business done. He has as well. And so we’ll continue to be here. We’ve been here before.”
What Could a Watt Extension Look Like?
Regarding what a potential contract could look like for the Pittsburgh Steelers star, CBS Sports recently predicted that Watt could be looking at a $121.5 million deal over three seasons. That would make him one of the highest-paid non-quarterbacks in NFL history, something he’s proven to be worth throughout his career.
“Back in 2021, fresh off a then-career-high 15 sacks, the star edge rusher reported to minicamp and training camp but refused to practice as a “hold-in,” until Pittsburgh finally rewarded his production with a $112 million extension just days before the season opener. Why should anyone expect a different outcome this time? Watt is synonymous with the Steelers as the heartbeat of Mike Tomlin’s defense, and Pittsburgh is all in on 2025; this feels like a when, not if, situation,” they wrote.
