Four-time First-team All-Pro, 7 times Pro Bowler, 3 times Deacon Jones Award, and NFL fumble leader in 2 seasons. These are the achievements of Steelers LB TJ Watt. He has secured his place in the franchise. 2025 will be his final year—unless he signs an extension. That’s another headache for head coach Mike Tomlin, who’s already waiting on veteran QB Aaron Rodgers. Things are a mess in Black and Gold. While the quarterback is critical to the team’s success, the defense also needs its leader. That’s why the Steelers had to show their cards.
Steelers correspondent for The Pat McAfee Show, Mark Kaboly, recently answered fan questions in a mailbag segment. One fan asked whether the Steelers would pay T.J. Watt. Kaboly responded affirmatively, mentioning a rumored deal expected to be signed around June. He claimed it would be a three-year, $105 million contract through 2028.
Mike Tomlin has always been a fan of his defensive captain. Back in 2023, he said, “Let’s be honest, like, T.J.’s the best defensive player on the planet right now.” But Watt’s focus has shifted. He replied to his coach, “I’m not about the individual goals anymore. Getting into Year 7, you’re just trying to get to the Super Bowl.” He is not wrong.
Steelers Mailbag: Trading George Pickens, questions over Jaylen Warren and ‘Big Night Aht’ surprise?
Mark Kaboly / Steelers Correspondent
For The @PatMcAfeeShow
PITTSBURGH — When will Aaron Rodgers sign with the Steelers took a backseat for a brief moment.
Many Steelers’ fans… pic.twitter.com/a5gD2bdavm
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) April 7, 2025
The $105 million deal brings the deal to $35 million APY. That’s less than Texans DE Danielle Hunter, who signed a $35.6 APY. The Athletic’s Diana Russini had earlier claimed that Mike Tomlin and his office will not sign a $40 million or above deal that might dethrone the Browns DE Myles Garrett as the league’s highest-paid defensive player. But she predicted a deal more than Hunter. So, that might not happen as per Kaboly.
The Black and the Gold are trying to sort their roster. They are still awaiting a reply from the veteran.
Haunted by hope: Mike Tomlin’s Rodgers dilemma
There’s one word that perfectly suits Aaron Rodgers. Enigma! He missed 2023 with the Achilles heel injury. In 2024, he played all 17 games for the NY Jets, but the minor injuries did halt his full ability as they were eliminated with a 5-12 win-loss record. But the Steelers still gave him an offer of 1-year, $30 million.
However, he is still refusing to commit. A-Rod visited the Steelers facility, met the HC Mike Tomlin, and even threw a ball to the WR DK Metcalf. Those were prominent signs, but they are still waiting for him to either join or refuse the offer. NFL analyst Adam Schefter even took a shot at the owner Art Rooney: “I thought the comments from Art Rooney yesterday were interesting because he made it sound like he believes that Aaron Rodgers is coming to Pittsburgh. But the people I’ve spoken to, they’re kind of in the dark.” Rodgers knows how to create drama.
All the rumors point in one direction. The Minnesota Vikings! Almost everyone is certain that A-rod wanted to join the Vikes, who weren’t interested in him. His selfish move is problematic for Mike Tomlin. The uncertainty prevails. There is one obvious logic behind this.
The Steelers aren’t a Super Bowl-caliber team. Last year, they were on a roll with Russell Wilson before losing the last 4 consecutive games of the season. Moreover, the low confidence showed up in the wild card game against the Ravens when they lost by 14-28. Will A-Rod and Mike Tomlin join hands? Everything is a mystery until the coming draft.
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