The Pittsburgh Steelers announced they have inked star edge rusher T.J. Watt to a three-year, $123 million extension, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.
It shouldn’t be particularly shocking, given Watt’s track record. Watt holds the Steelers franchise record for career sacks and is the second fastest player in NFL history to reach 100 sacks.
However, the contract was met with vitriol from a large portion of the fanbase, one that’s been conflicted for weeks now.
get TJ watt
ADoff my team. he’s never contributed to a playoff win in his life. I have no idea who he’s trying to hold hostage
— Jean Michele (@RealJDawg) July 12, 2025
Fandom excitement aside on the TJ Watt deal getting done.
— Corey (@StowCorey) July 18, 2025
Dude gotta show up in the last month of the season and playoffs. If you’re getting QB level money you gotta make a QB level impact in the game, all season.
Go win the damn thing#HereWeGo
The Steelers' last playoff win came in 2016. Watt was not on that team. They’ve been to the playoffs five times in his career, and they’ve gone one and done each time. Even Browns EDGE Myles Garrett, who Watt eclipsed in his new contract, has won a playoff game in that span. That was a win over the Steelers in 2021.
In those five games, Watt has amassed just one sack. In a bludgeoning last season against the Baltimore Ravens in the wild-card round, he didn’t even register a single tackle.
Speaking with the media before the Ravens game, Watt acknowledged the lack of success, calling it “his story.”
“It is what it is,” Watt said. “It’s my story. Since I’ve been here, I haven’t won a playoff game. Been saying it this whole season. You guys know how important this is to me.”
It’s essential to examine the in-depth analytics here, which often reveal Watt being chipped, double-teamed, and consistently the focal point of the opposing offense.
The Steelers' scheme is also responsible for this, as they have all but refused to get creative and move him around, pass rushing from each side.
At the end of the day, everyone needs to do a better job. Even while getting the attention, you have to find a way to get to the quarterback.
While I understand the fans’ disappointment, this team isn’t even sniffing the playoffs without Watt. Although he’s 31, he’s the greatest pass rusher in team history, and much like the ageless Cameron Heyward, I'd bet on him having a lot left in the tank.
But if it doesn’t result in a playoff win this season, the narrative will continue. And Watt’s story will remain the same.
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