The Pittsburgh Steelers and outside linebacker T.J. Watt have been at odds over a new contract for several months, and it appears that the situation is becoming increasingly complicated. According to former Steelers General Manager, Kevin Colbert, an amicable divorce between the two parties might be the best solution.
“I think it’s time for the Steelers to consider moving on from T.J. Watt,” Colbert said in a recent interview. “It’s not that he’s not a great player, because he is. But the contract situation has become too complicated, and I think it’s time for both parties to move on.”
Watt, who is set to enter the final year of his contract, has been seeking a new deal that would make him one of the highest-paid defensive players in the NFL. However, the Steelers have been hesitant to meet his demands, and the situation has become increasingly contentious.
Colbert, who spent 22 years as the Steelers’ General Manager before retiring in 2022, believes that the team’s reluctance to meet Watt’s contract demands is understandable.
“T.J. Watt is a great player, but he’s not worth the kind of money he’s asking for,” Colbert said. “The Steelers have to be responsible with their salary cap, and they can’t afford to pay Watt the kind of money he’s seeking.”
While an amicable divorce between Watt and the Steelers might be the best solution, it’s unclear whether the team would be willing to trade him or release him outright. Watt’s contract situation is complicated by the fact that he has a $15 million roster bonus due in March, which would make it difficult for the team to trade him.
Regardless of what happens, Colbert believes that the Steelers will be fine without Watt.
“The Steelers have a great defense, and they’ll be fine without T.J. Watt,” Colbert said. “They’ll find a way to replace him, and they’ll move on.”
What’s Next for the Steelers?
The Steelers still have several needs to address this offseason, including:
Outside linebacker: The Steelers need to find a replacement for T.J. Watt, whether through free agency or the draft.
Cornerback: The Steelers need to add depth and talent to their cornerback position.
Wide receiver: The Steelers need to add depth and talent to their wide receiver corps.
The Steelers will likely address these needs through a combination of free agency and the draft. With a few key additions, the Steelers could be a serious contender for the Super Bowl in the 2025 season.
