The Pittsburgh Steelers made headlines earlier this offseason by signing veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers to a one-year, $13.65 million deal, putting an end to lingering doubts about the quarterback position for 2025.
But while that move has excited fans, there’s another situation looming large in the Steel City: the contract status of superstar edge rusher T.J. Watt.
Fans have been holding their breath, especially after Watt skipped OTAs and minicamps. A player of his caliber—108 sacks and 33 forced fumbles since being drafted in 2017—deserves top-tier compensation.
Now, it looks like help may be on the way, not just from the front office but from Rodgers himself.
On Tuesday, Rodgers joined The Pat McAfee Show to discuss his always-colorful offseason. As expected, the conversation turned to leadership and the roster around him. That’s when Rodgers dropped what might be the most reassuring hint Steelers fans have heard all summer.
“Once we get our Hall of Fame outside rush backer signed,” Rodgers said, “You’re talking about another guy who is a leader by example and with his words.”
Now that’s the kind of slip-up I’m happy to hear.
Aaron Rodgers advocates for the Pittsburgh Steelers to extend T.J. Watt's contract
Rodgers may not run the Steelers' front office, but he’s a veteran voice in the locker room and someone who’s had conversations behind the scenes. His confidence in the team getting a deal done with Watt was not only notable, but it was a huge relief.
I know what Watt means to this team. The four-time All-Pro is not just a statistical monster; he’s the emotional and physical engine of the defense. Even during years when the offense sputtered and the roster felt incomplete, Watt kept Pittsburgh competitive.
READ MORE: NFL insider's costly T.J. Watt prediction could haunt Steelers in long run
He’s a rare talent who deserves to be paid like one, and it seems Rodgers agrees.
The fact that Rodgers, only months into his Steelers tenure, already understands and respects Watt’s importance says a lot about his leadership.
More importantly, it suggests the team is working behind the scenes to ensure Watt stays in Pittsburgh.
If and when that extension happens, it’ll be a win not just for the defense but for the entire franchise. Watt has earned it, the fans want it, and based on Rodgers’ comments, the front office might be closer than we think.