T.J. Watt Faces Criticism Over Contract

T.J. Watt's three-year, $123 million extension is under scrutiny. The former Defensive Player of the Year has seen his sack numbers plummet from 19 in 2023 to 11.5 in 2024 to seven in 2025.

Bleacher Report's Brad Gagnon ranked Watt's contract as the fifth-worst in the league, citing concerns about the veteran pass rusher's recent decline in production.

The 31-year-old's sack totals have steadily declined over the last three seasons. Watt, who turns 32 during the 2026 season, is coming off a campaign in which he recorded seven sacks.

The financial commitment is substantial, with Watt's extension carrying $108 million in guaranteed money and tying him to Pittsburgh through the 2028 season. Gagnon pointed to the potential long-term ramifications of the deal.

Even if the Steelers move on after the 2027 campaign, Watt will have cost the team $94 million in salary and dead-cap charges for just two seasons of work. Despite the criticism, Watt remains one of the most accomplished defenders in franchise history.

The Steelers' edge-rushing room has evolved, with the team recently signing rising star Nick Herbig to a four-year, $100 million extension. Veteran starter Alex Highsmith remains under contract as well.

With significant money now invested in all three players, the organization could eventually face difficult decisions regarding how resources are allocated along the defensive front. For now, there is little indication the Steelers are ready to move on from Watt.

The idea of the Steelers parting ways with Watt would have seemed unthinkable a few years ago. If his production continues to trend downward while the team's younger pass rushers ascend, that conversation may eventually become much less shocking.