In Pittsburgh, cryptic Instagram posts hit harder than a third-and-long sack. Or that’s how hard it’s hitting right now when T.J. Watt flashed a “peace out” sign on his story. Was it just a vibe post? Or a shot across the front office bow? Either way, TJ might have made it clear: I want big bags if you want to continue receiving services. Or at least that’s what Ian Rapoport’s proposing.

The NFL insider dropped the hammer on The Pat McAfee Show, confirming the whispers: “A lot of times these deals happen right before Training Camp and there is time to get a TJ Watt deal done.” Okay, don’t get too hopeful because he continued, “I wouldn’t be surprised if TJ Watt was shooting for more money than Myles Garrett.” 

But is it surprising? I mean, Garrett has literally reset the market. Ian even added that Micah Parsons might be doing the same. The only difference is Micah’s 25. With his peak years ahead of him. Not saying that TJ’s past that, but was just putting the numerical advantage the Cowboys pass rush has.

Nevermind, let’s break it down. Garrett’s deal? Four years, $160 million. An absurd $123.5 million of that guaranteed. Do the math and you’re staring at $40 million a year—edge rusher QB money. And Maxx Crosby? He just got $35.5M per year from the Raiders. That’s the going rate now. Watt, still elite and somehow underrated nationally, has every reason to demand more.

Then there’s the matter of his loyalty. Watt’s love for Pittsburgh isn’t in question. “I want to be part of the solution,” he said at locker clean-out day. “I don’t want to leave this place.” But if that’s true, how do you square that with the IG post? The “peace out” didn’t exactly scream long-term harmony, and some around the league think he’s growing frustrated by the delays—possibly even due to the team’s quarterback circus and Aaron Rodgers-sized elephant in the room.

There’s a timeline here, though. Watt’s last extension got done just days before the 2021 season. Cam Heyward? Same deal—tense until the 11th hour, then done. The Steelers like their stars comfortable, but they also love holding leverage. With Watt under contract for another year, they’re not about to hand out blank checks unless he earns one. So, maybe, just maybe, Pittsburgh might have to start prepare for a farewell party they never knew they would be a part of.

If TJ Watt decides to pack, who’s taking him?

Okay, tell me, if it aligns with their roster needs, who isn’t taking TJ Watt? And while the Steelers haven’t slapped a “for sale” sign on him just yet, the rumors are loud, and the clock’s ticking. Teams know what’s at stake. Watt’s still elite, still feared, and still capable of wrecking an entire drive with one bull rush. So yeah, the interest would be real.

Ian Rapoport isn’t buying the “everything’s fine” routine either. “Rarely is it actually nothing,” he said about Watt’s cryptic IG post. “It is because contract negotiations are not going as well as anybody had hoped.” Maybe the front office and Watt’s camp aren’t exactly huddling on the same play sheet. And if it gets uglier? Well, we’ve seen franchise legends in strange uniforms before. Ask Seahawks Franco Harris.

So who’d be first in line? The Falcons, for starters. They’ve been lurking around playoff hopes for years and badly need someone who can actually get to the quarterback. Watt would instantly give Atlanta a legit pass rush. Problem is, would they cough up the draft capital and pay the man?

Then there’s the Eagles. Yes, trading Watt to an in-state rival would be spicy, but we’ve seen wilder things. Philly sniffed around Myles Garrett before his extension, so if the Steelers open the door, Howie Roseman might not hesitate.

But if you’re looking for the cleanest fit? It’s the Packers. Gutekunst has said it’s time to win now. And Watt could be that one final piece on a defense that’s flirted with elite. Green Bay’s got the cap space, the need, and, let’s not forget—the Wisconsin ties.

Of course, all this only matters if the Steelers are willing to part ways. If not, they’ve got only one option—pay up.