**Steelers Banking on Loyalty? Pittsburgh Reportedly Confident T.J. Watt Will Take “Best Offer on the Table”**
As contract discussions with T.J. Watt begin to take center stage in Pittsburgh, there’s growing speculation that the Steelers are operating under a risky assumption: that their star pass rusher will accept whatever the team defines as its “best offer.” While Watt has long been viewed as a team-first player, the idea that he would automatically agree to a deal—regardless of how it stacks up against market value—could be wishful thinking.
According to reports and team insiders, the Steelers believe Watt’s loyalty to the franchise and his family’s deep ties to the organization will influence his decision more than dollars. Watt, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year runner-up and a five-time Pro Bowler, is undeniably one of the NFL’s elite defensive talents. He’s also entering a stage in his career where securing a premium contract is both expected and deserved.
The Steelers have traditionally been conservative with contract structures, often avoiding heavy guarantees and long-term risk. That worked in past eras, but the current market for top-tier edge rushers demands competitive terms. Players like Myles Garrett and Nick Bosa have reset the standard with massive guaranteed deals—deals that reflect not just performance, but position value.
Assuming Watt will settle simply because he “wants to be here” could lead to unnecessary tension or even jeopardize long-term relations. While there’s no indication of bad blood, it’s clear that Watt and his camp are aware of his value.
Pittsburgh may believe that loyalty will outweigh leverage—but in today’s NFL, betting against a superstar’s market value is rarely a winning strategy. For the Steelers, the hope is that both sides can find common ground—before loyalty is tested by lowball exp
ectations.
