DONE DEAL: Steelers HC Mike Tomlin Poised for Blockbuster T.J. Watt Extension Before Myles Garrett Resets the Market

The Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves on the clock as rumors swirl around Myles Garrett’s potential contract extension with the Cleveland Browns. With reports suggesting Garrett could command a record-breaking deal, the Steelers must act fast to lock up their own defensive superstar, T.J. Watt, before the market skyrockets.

Garrett, the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, is expected to set a new financial benchmark for pass rushers when he signs his next contract. Currently, Nick Bosa holds the record for the highest-paid defensive player with his $170 million extension with the San Francisco 49ers, averaging $34 million per year. Given Garrett’s dominant play and the rising salary cap, his deal could exceed that figure, making him the new standard for elite defenders.

That’s where the urgency kicks in for Pittsburgh. Watt, the 2021 Defensive Player of the Year, remains the heart and soul of the Steelers’ defense. His current contract, a four-year, $112 million deal signed in 2021, is set to expire after the 2025 season. While he is already among the highest-paid defenders, the upcoming deal for Garrett could push the edge rusher market to new heights, meaning the Steelers could end up paying significantly more if they wait.

A proactive extension would not only provide financial security for Watt but also allow Pittsburgh to control their cap situation more effectively. If the Steelers hesitate and allow Garrett’s new contract to hit the books first, Watt’s camp could demand an even higher figure, potentially complicating Pittsburgh’s long-term roster planning.

The Steelers have made it clear that Watt is a cornerstone of their franchise. Letting him enter the final years of his deal without an extension would be a massive risk, especially with AFC North rivals like the Browns continuing to build elite defenses.

Pittsburgh must take action now. Extending Watt before Garrett resets the market could save millions and ensure that the Steelers retain one of the league’s most dominant defenders for years to come.