4 reasons Steelers may not re-sign T.J. Watt to a second contract

A team in decline

While Watt has enjoyed a moderate amount of success during his time with the Steelers, that team success is likely coming to an end sooner than later. The team is set to lose a handful of talent this offseason to free agency and their franchise quarterback is playing year to year as retirement looms. While the team can always bounce back quickly, there is just as good of a chance that they become one of the league’s worst teams in the near future.

If Watt wants to remain on a top competitor past this season, it likely won’t be with the Steelers. Winning is important for Watt, so having a chance to play for a team that should still be in the Super Bowl picture might alter his final decision. Any team in the league would want to sign Watt if they could, so if a competitor gave him a deal similar to the Steelers, he may opt to go to the team in a better position to succeed.

If other teams in a better position to succeed are offering Watt a contract with more guarantees, he would be wise to take them up on it. He is a player that is talented enough to succeed anywhere he plays, so he wouldn’t need to stay with the Steelers to continue the success he has had so far in his career. While the Steelers’ offer should be competitive, it may not rival what other teams may be able to offer him. If those can win sooner, why wouldn’t Watt sign with them?