With the MLB trade deadline approaching, the Phillies are targeting outfield upgrades and bullpen depth. Could a veteran like Byron Buxton be the dream fit—or is Philly more likely to promote top prospect Justin Crawford?
Record-Breaking Deal Keeps Watt in Black & Gold
Right before training camp kicks off, the Pittsburgh Steelers made one of the biggest defensive moves of the year—securing T.J. Watt with a three-year, $123 million extension that includes $108 million guaranteed and makes him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. 😳💰
The deal, first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, drops just in time for veterans to report to camp on Wednesday—and it’s a huge sigh of relief for Steelers fans who’ve been nervously watching Watt skip both voluntary and mandatory minicamps while the deal got hammered out.
Well, it’s hammered. Inked. Done. Locked.
Watt isn’t going anywhere.
“Earned. Deserved. Incredible.” – J.J. Watt Reacts
The man of the hour didn’t need to say much—but his brother sure did. J.J. Watt took to X with the short-but-perfect reaction:
“Earned. Deserved. Incredible. @_TJWatt. @steelers.”
Honestly? Couldn’t have said it better ourselves.
Drafted 30th overall in 2017 out of Wisconsin, T.J. Watt has become the face of Pittsburgh’s defense—a city and franchise that practically breathe defense. In just eight seasons, Watt has:
- 7x Pro Bowl nods (2018–2024)
- 4x First-team All-Pro (2019–2021, 2023)
- 2021 Defensive Player of the Year
- Tied Michael Strahan’s sack record (22.5 in 2021)
- 108 career sacks (Steelers’ all-time leader)
Oh, and he’s the second-fastest player in NFL history to reach 100 sacks, trailing only the legend Reggie White. Absolute beast mode.
Big Money = Big Expectations
Now, here’s the real: this deal keeps Watt in Pittsburgh through his age-34 season. That’s a massive bet on a player entering his 30s in a role where the physical toll is relentless.
But hey, Watt isn’t your average edge rusher. If anyone can keep wrecking game plans deep into his 30s, it’s him. Still, with the Steelers trying to claw their way back to playoff success (first postseason win since 2017, anyone?), the pressure is officially on.
This extension also shows the Steelers are going all-in on the here and now—because you don’t hand out $123M and expect to just “rebuild.” You expect results.
2025 Outlook: New Faces, Familiar Doubts
Pittsburgh made some offseason noise by adding:
- QB Aaron Rodgers
- WR DK Metcalf
- CB Jalen Ramsey
- TE Jonnu Smith
…but the vibes are still mixed.
ESPN BET Sportsbook has the Steelers’ win total at 8.5, and that’s despite Pittsburgh surpassing that number in 10 of the last 11 seasons. Why the hesitation?
AFC North is stacked. Rodgers is 41. The Bengals have Burrow. The Ravens have Lamar. The Browns have… chaos, but still.
So while this team is no stranger to doubters, they’ll need vintage Watt and healthy Rodgers to make real noise.
🧠 Final Thought: The Heartbeat of the Steelers Stays Home
For all the offseason moves, nothing is more symbolic for Steelers Nation than locking in No. 90. T.J. Watt is the identity of this defense—ferocious, relentless, unapologetically physical.
Whether this deal leads to a Lombardi remains to be seen. But Pittsburgh just made sure that if it happens, Watt will be right in the middle of it.
And honestly? That just feels right.
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