The Pittsburgh Steelers have a long list of offseason priorities, but one of the most important tasks on their agenda is signing outside linebacker T.J. Watt to a contract extension.
Watt, who is entering the final year of his rookie deal, is due for a massive payday after developing into one of the most dominant pass rushers in the NFL. The Steelers know they can’t afford to wait to extend Watt’s contract, and here’s why:
# The Franchise Tag Is A Bad Option
The Steelers could theoretically use the franchise tag on Watt, but that would be a bad idea for several reasons. First and foremost, the franchise tag would only keep Watt in Pittsburgh for one more season, and it wouldn’t provide any long-term security for either the player or the team.
Furthermore, using the franchise tag on Watt would also limit the Steelers’ flexibility in free agency. With Watt playing on the tag, the Steelers would have to allocate a significant portion of their salary cap space to his one-year deal, which would make it harder for them to sign other free agents.
Watt’s Market Value Is Only Going Up
Watt’s market value is already extremely high, and it’s only going to go up from here. As one of the top pass rushers in the NFL, Watt is going to command a massive contract extension, and the Steelers know they need to act quickly to avoid losing him.
If the Steelers wait too long to extend Watt’s contract, they risk losing him to free agency next offseason. Watt’s agent, Brian Murphy, has already stated that his client is seeking a contract extension that will make him one of the highest-paid defensive players in the NFL.
The Steelers Need To Keep Watt Happy
Watt has been an absolute game-changer for the Steelers’ defense, and the team knows they need to keep him happy. By extending Watt’s contract, the Steelers can ensure that their star pass rusher remains motivated and focused on helping the team win.
Furthermore, extending Watt’s contract would also send a strong message to the rest of the team that the Steelers are committed to keeping their best players. This could help boost morale and create a more positive team culture.
The Steelers Have The Cap Space To Make It Happen
Despite their limited cap space, the Steelers have the flexibility to extend Watt’s contract. According to Over The Cap, the Steelers have around $10 million in cap space available, which should be enough to sign Watt to a contract extension.
The Steelers could also create more cap space by releasing or restructuring the contracts of other players. For example, the team could release cornerback Joe Haden, which would save them around $7 million in cap space.
Conclusion
The Steelers know they can’t afford to wait to extend Watt’s contract. With his market value only going up and the franchise tag being a bad option, the Steelers need to act quickly to keep their star pass rusher. By extending Watt’s contract, the Steelers can ensure that their defense remains one of the best in the NFL and keep their best player happy.
