T.J. Watt, the Pittsburgh Steelers' All-Pro outside linebacker, is expected to have a bounce-back season. Former Steelers safety Solomon Wilcots believes Watt is driven by Myles Garrett, who won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award last season.
What's Behind the Expectation?
Watt's production has decreased significantly in the last two seasons, but Wilcots thinks he's still in his prime. The 32-year-old will move around more in Patrick Graham's defense, which could help him regain his top form.
Trade Speculation
Despite his massive contract, trade speculation has been sparked by talking heads. Colin Cowherd of FS1 thinks the Steelers should trade Watt for a first-round pick. However, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport believes Watt is not going anywhere this year.
New Defensive System
Watt revealed that he'll move around more in the new defense. He admitted to being hard-headed in the past but thinks the new system will allow him to be more versatile. The Steelers' defensive front will be interchangeable, with Watt learning the whole defensive structure.
What Comes Next?
Watt's contract is one of the worst in the NFL, according to Bleacher Report's Brad Gagnon. The Steelers have a lot of money invested in their edge players, which could lead to some tough decisions. For now, it seems Watt will play for the Steelers this year, and his performance will be closely watched.
The Steelers' fans are eager to see Watt return to his top form. With the new defensive system and his drive to compete with Myles Garrett, Watt could be in for a big season. The question is, can he deliver on his massive contract and lead the Steelers to success?