T.J. Watt is heading into the 2026 NFL season with a lot of pressure on him. The Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher earned his eighth straight Pro Bowl selection in 2025, but his sack numbers have been declining since his 19-sack campaign in 2023.
What happened to T.J. Watt's production?
T.J. Watt's sack numbers dipped to 11.5 in 2024 and then to 7 in 2025, his first relatively full non-All-Pro season since 2018. This decline has led to concerns about his future with the Steelers.
The Steelers signed T.J. Watt to a three-year extension worth $123 million with $108 million guaranteed just before training camp last offseason. However, the contract hasn't aged well so far, with T.J. Watt's production not living up to his pay.
Why is T.J. Watt's contract a problem for the Steelers?
T.J. Watt's contract was named one of the worst in the NFL by Brad Gagnon of Bleacher Report. The deal will cost the Steelers $94 million in salary and dead-cap charges for just two seasons of work if they move on from T.J. Watt after the 2027 campaign.
The Steelers are facing a brutal reality regarding T.J. Watt's future. If he is unable to return to form this season and continues to decline, the team would likely want to move on from him as soon as next offseason. However, his trade interest would be minimal due to his contract, and cutting him next offseason wouldn't save the Steelers any money.
What comes next for T.J. Watt and the Steelers?
T.J. Watt can still be an impactful player for the Steelers, but he needs to bounce back from his decline in production. The Steelers could be trapped with T.J. Watt's contract until he hits free agency in 2029, which wouldn't be ideal given that it looks like his best days are behind him.
The Steelers are hoping T.J. Watt can turn in a bounce-back season in 2026. T.J. Watt is 31 years old and has been one of the top edge rushers in the NFL for several years. However, his decline in production has raised concerns about his future with the team.
T.J. Watt's contract is a significant issue for the Steelers. The team needs to decide whether to stick with T.J. Watt and hope he can regain his form or try to move on from him despite the significant financial implications. The Steelers' decision on T.J. Watt's future will have a major impact on the team's roster and salary cap for years to come.
The Steelers' situation with T.J. Watt is a complex one. The team wants to get the most out of their investment in T.J. Watt, but they also need to consider the financial implications of keeping him on the roster. T.J. Watt's future with the Steelers is uncertain, and it will be interesting to see how the situation plays out in the coming months.