The Pittsburgh Steelers made a smart move Monday night, securing safety DeShon Elliott to a two-year, $12.5 million extension. It’s a deal that reflects Elliott’s immediate impact since joining the team in 2024, and it shows the front office’s continued commitment to keeping key pieces of the defense intact.
But while fans can celebrate Elliott’s well-deserved extension, there’s one name still glaringly absent from contract talks: T.J. Watt.
Elliott, now entering his seventh season, proved to be a reliable force under defensive coordinator Teryl Austin. He logged 823 defensive snaps last season—87% of the team’s total—and set a career-high with 108 tackles.
He’s physical, consistent, and brings veteran leadership to the secondary. His single interception might not pop off the stat sheet, but Elliott’s presence has been steady, and he fits the Steelers’ mold of hard-nosed, no-nonsense defenders.
There’s no denying that his extension was a great move for the team’s immediate future.
The Pittsburgh Steelers should have settled T.J Watt's contract before anything else
But let’s be real—T.J. Watt is the engine of this defense. He’s not just a cornerstone, he’s the foundation. A four-time All-Pro with 108 sacks and 33 forced fumbles in just 121 games, Watt is a generational talent who changes games every time he steps on the field.
While it’s great to see a player like Elliott rewarded, fans are understandably anxious about the fact that Watt’s next deal is still pending.
Watt has done everything asked of him and more. He’s the kind of player teams build around, and the kind of leader younger players—like Elliott—can rally behind.
The Steelers have always prided themselves on honoring their stars with timely extensions. In Elliott’s case, they acted early to avoid offseason drama. That same urgency now needs to shift toward Watt.
The locker room can celebrate Elliott’s deal, and the front office deserves credit for keeping a strong piece of the secondary intact. But there’s quiet tension among fans, and maybe even among players, as Watt’s contract situation remains unresolved.
He’s not just another name on the roster—he’s the face of the franchise.
While the Elliott deal is a solid step forward, the Steelers can’t afford to wait much longer. The next headline we need to see? “Steelers Extend T.J. Watt.” Until then, the celebration feels just a little bit incomplete.