I'm not saying there isn't meaning behind Watt's cryptic post on his Instagram story from last week:
INSTAGRAM: @TJWATT90
Most likely, if I had to make an educated guess, it's about current contract negotiations. But, the only people who really know how that's going are those engaged in those negotiations. Even if it isn't going as smoothly as desired on either side, it doesn't mean Watt is going anywhere.
That's what everybody needs to calm down about. All of these projected trades -- like trading for Dak Prescott, Brock Purdy or the eighth overall pick in this year's draft -- are absolutely ridiculous.
Remember the last time the Steelers and Watt went through the whole contract extension negotiation? A lot of fans were freaking out because training camp came and went with no deal done, despite Watt being a hold in the whole time. The preseason came and went with no deal done. The panic grew with each passing week until the extension was finalized, which wasn't until just days ahead of the season opener.
You know who wasn't freaking out? The Steelers, especially Mike Tomlin -- not in the slightest. In fact, Tomlin was grateful he knew he had a healthy Watt heading into season, and what he did against Josh Allen and the Bills the week he signed his extension reaffirmed that confidence.
The Steelers' stance this time around is clear. Omar Khan has already stated multiple times on the record that signing Watt to an extension is on the docket in this offseason.
"T.J.'s one of those legacy guys," Khan said at the NFL Combine. "I was around Hines Ward and Troy Polamalu. Those guys played their entire careers (here). That's a special thing. I'm hopeful and confident that T.J. will be one of those guys."
Khan wasn't as bullish about an extension for George Pickens, all while being given multiple opportunities to do so at the Combine and NFL annual meeting. When it comes to the "legacy" players, the Steelers have a high percentage of getting things done. Even last year with Cam Heyward, despite there being external doubt amid negotiations, it eventually got done. And, he turned in an All-Pro season.
This time of year can be volatile. In between the NFL annual meeting and the draft, it's a perfect time for people to find whatever they can to fill up air time or rack up engagement on social media.
Everybody, seriously, calm down.
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THE ASYLUM
Chris Halicke
3:21 pm - 04.13.2025DowntownWatt rumors are out of control
Everybody needs to calm down about T.J. Watt.
I'm not saying there isn't meaning behind Watt's cryptic post on his Instagram story from last week:
INSTAGRAM: @TJWATT90
Most likely, if I had to make an educated guess, it's about current contract negotiations. But, the only people who really know how that's going are those engaged in those negotiations. Even if it isn't going as smoothly as desired on either side, it doesn't mean Watt is going anywhere.
That's what everybody needs to calm down about. All of these projected trades -- like trading for Dak Prescott, Brock Purdy or the eighth overall pick in this year's draft -- are absolutely ridiculous.
Remember the last time the Steelers and Watt went through the whole contract extension negotiation? A lot of fans were freaking out because training camp came and went with no deal done, despite Watt being a hold in the whole time. The preseason came and went with no deal done. The panic grew with each passing week until the extension was finalized, which wasn't until just days ahead of the season opener.
You know who wasn't freaking out? The Steelers, especially Mike Tomlin -- not in the slightest. In fact, Tomlin was grateful he knew he had a healthy Watt heading into season, and what he did against Josh Allen and the Bills the week he signed his extension reaffirmed that confidence.
The Steelers' stance this time around is clear. Omar Khan has already stated multiple times on the record that signing Watt to an extension is on the docket in this offseason.
"T.J.'s one of those legacy guys," Khan said at the NFL Combine. "I was around Hines Ward and Troy Polamalu. Those guys played their entire careers (here). That's a special thing. I'm hopeful and confident that T.J. will be one of those guys."
Khan wasn't as bullish about an extension for George Pickens, all while being given multiple opportunities to do so at the Combine and NFL annual meeting. When it comes to the "legacy" players, the Steelers have a high percentage of getting things done. Even last year with Cam Heyward, despite there being external doubt amid negotiations, it eventually got done. And, he turned in an All-Pro season.
This time of year can be volatile. In between the NFL annual meeting and the draft, it's a perfect time for people to find whatever they can to fill up air time or rack up engagement on social media.
Everybody, seriously, calm down.
Want to participate in our comments?
Want an ad-free experience?
Become a member, and enjoy premium benefits! Make your voice heard on the Steelers, Penguins and Pirates, and hear right back from tens of thousands of fellow Pittsburgh sports fans worldwide! Plus, access all our premium content, including Dejan Kovacevic columns, Friday Insider, daily Live Qs with the staff, more! And yeah, that's right, no ads at all!
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