Ever notice how someone’s entire face lights up when they smile, except their eyes? That’s TJ Watt right now. Cryptic Instagram post. Two fingers in the air. Peace sign. However, nobody in Pittsburgh seems to be at peace. Drama is nothing new to Steelers fans, but this one is hitting differently.

We’ve got Aaron Rodgers pulling a “Stranger Things” move—he’s in the Upside Down while everyone else is just waiting. We’ve got Watt looking like he’s halfway out the door. On top of that, our quarterback room is like the NFL version of a group project where nobody brought their laptop. No one knows where this is going. But if TJ Watt’s body language is louder than his sack count? Things are not just “off” in Pittsburgh… they’re about to break.

And T.J. Watt’s Instagram is the source of the smoke signals, not the Steelers’ front office. Without saying a word, the defensive warlord, who is now a quiet social media poet, is generating headlines. And NFL insider Tom Pelissero is now revealing the truth. While guest-hosting The Rich Eisen Show, he didn’t mince words: “I would fairly tell you T.J. Watt is probably getting a little sick of waiting on the quarterback question as well.” Interpretation? Watt has had enough. And maybe already checking flights out of Pittsburgh if this mess doesn’t get cleaned up soon.

That Instagram peace sign TJ Watt flashed? Yes, that isn’t a moment of zen. That is the equivalent of saying: I might be out, y’all. Not only are fans sick of hearing the same old rumours with no action, but so is Watt. No playoff victories. No quarterback for the long haul. No clue if his Defensive Player of the Year trophy will be the only thing he wins in Pittsburgh. And now, at 30 years old, the clock is ticking. According to some, his output is already declining. Others believe he still has a few years to go. Either way, he’s watching his prime get wasted like a Gatorade cooler at a losing post-game presser.

In Houston, his brother JJ Watt noticed the same signs: a front office that is allergic to making wise choices, an excellent defender, and top potential wasted. JJ went straight to the owner and made the request. With how tight the Watt brothers are? Don’t assume that TJ hasn’t had the same family discussion: Are you staying to lose, or are you staying for the team? The whispers? They’re more than just an annoyance. They’re about legacy. And TJ Watt knows he is being tainted by a team that still doesn’t know who’s throwing passes this fall.

Pelissero also hinted about a different angle, by saying, “He’s in a contract year. Plainly due for an upgrade. Doesn’t have it yet.” TJ Watt is requesting an extension. Perhaps around $40 million annually. What about the Steelers? Perhaps they’re lowballing. Watt “held in” at camp the last time this occurred, and it was successful. If he’s preparing to do it again, don’t be shocked. So now it’s not just about who’s at quarterback. It’s about whether Watt will even stick around to deal with it. Because apparently Aaron Rodgers is the one pulling the strings.

TJ Watt’s patience wears thin while Rodgers plays the waiting game

Pittsburgh’s front management is out here hoping Aaron Rodgers swipes right while TJ Watt simmers. Five weeks of flirting, silence, and “we’ll see” have passed. It’s obvious that the Steelers are awaiting Rodgers’ approval. However, he is too preoccupied with determining whether Minnesota still harbours affection for him. And meanwhile? The vibes are officially weird. NFL insider Josina Anderson was informed by a team source: “The vibe? I would say it feels a little weird here… the running joke around here right now is ‘who’s going to be our quarterback?'” Yikes.

Right now, Pittsburgh has two guys under contract at QB: Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson. That’s not a quarterback room—it’s a placeholder on a spreadsheet. Rodgers probably signs eventually… but what if he doesn’t? And what if he’s just slow-playing this while keeping options open, or worse—considering retirement? Owner Art Rooney II has said they’ll explore other options if Rodgers doesn’t commit. But actions speak louder, and so far, all we’ve seen is waiting… and scouting. A lot of scouting.

Shedeur Sanders visited with the Steelers this week. But is he really the answer? Debatable. Is it wiser to select a quarterback in the first round rather than a game-changing defensive end in a stacked draft? They’ve looked at vets too—Joe Flacco, and Carson Wentz—but that’s just window dressing. But they have no long-term strategy if they lose out on Rodgers. Just vibes and a lot of locker room side-eyes. And Pelissero made that brutally clear: “There are other people certainly in the organization, in the locker room, who are just going, ‘What are we doing?’ We’re back for offseason workouts in ten days. We’re coming up on the draft. What is the plan?”

Pittsburgh is now stuck in limbo. Not the fun type, either. A 41-year-old quarterback is treating this decision like the last rose ceremony on The Bachelor, a legendary coach is attempting to keep the locker room from falling apart, and a superstar linebacker may be done waiting. Rodgers may have already caused enough harm if he doesn’t sign soon. And we might be witnessing the end of an era before the season even starts if Watt doesn’t sign a contract or find another reason to believe. And if you’re in the front office? Perhaps it’s time to start taking action and quit manifesting. But before that, the peace sign becomes a full-blown farewell.