In a perfect world, the NFL teams should reward those who perform. But there are a few teams who don’t follow this simple path until the player in the spotlight makes an issue about his contract. We have seen how Jerry Jones signs contracts at the Cowboys. It’s a similar case with the Steelers under their GM Omar Khan and HC Mike Tomlin.

They haven’t even started talking about a new deal with their linebacker, TJ Watt. Now, they might start as he is taking the matter into his own hands. It’s electrifying. Jason McIntyre discussed the LB’s situation on the April 12 episode of The Rich Eisen Show. He reminded people about Watt’s Instagram story making peace signs.

While discussing the situation, McIntyre reacted, “We’ve seen wide receivers, running backs, quarterbacks—everybody. Kyler Murray scrubs his Instagram, basically disassociating himself with the team. He gets his new deal. Micah Parsons is angling for a new deal. Myles Garrett asked for a trade, got his new deal. Trey Hendrickson in Cincinnati—oh, that’s a mess. So TJ Watt wants a new deal.”

This is a really sad story about TJ Watt‘s life. The Steelers brought in WR DK Metcalf on a 5-year, $30 million contract extension. And the LB is already in the last year of his contract. He signed a 4-year $112 million (APY $28 million) in 2021. But the Steelers are leaving his fate to chance. The Browns also had a similar stance to Myles Garrett before the DE announced his decision to leave them. It caused a storm in the franchise, who then signed a 4-year $160 million extension, with $40 million APY.

 TJ Watt also wants a big contract. Some fans believe that it has to match the DE’s deal, if not greater. Moreover, the Steelers are also similar to their divisional rivals. They also aren’t a Super Bowl contender. Their last playoff win came in 2017. So, there are challenges that are there for the team. Last year, he played 17 games (all starters) and recorded 11.5 sacks, 27 QB Hits, 4 defended passes, 6 forced fumbles, and 61 tackles (40 solo). However, Mcintyre claimed that the Black and Gold might also trade him!

TJ Watt to be traded?

The NFL reporter started the second possibility with a praise, “I love TJ Watt. He’s a menace off the edge. They should have traded him a year ago.” But he also supported the rumors that the Steelers might trade their LB. yet, the trade market isn’t very strong. Most of the free agency deals are done. And the teams who want new players are eyeing the 2025 NFL Draft.

While discussing the new situation for TJ Watt, the reporter added, “I don’t think his trade value is sky-high. The economics are: I’m not giving up the number three pick or the number eight pick or whatever it is, and then I’ve got to pay this guy $30 million a year. That’s financial suicide. So I think the Steelers are kind of stuck here.” However, there is one team that might benefit from this scenario.

Rumors are wild that the 49ers could trade their QB Brock Purdy for the LB. The Steelers don’t have a reliable QB. Purdy could become their next systems quarterback in Mike Tomlin’s system. Will that happen? It seems far-fetched, but anything can happen. There’s no limit.