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Maxx Crosby is the Steelers’ benchmark but TJ Watt is looking for more in the contract he is chasing see more details
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🔥 Crosby Sets a New Benchmark, Watt Feels Undervalued
Maxx Crosby’s Market-Raising Deal
In March 2025, the Raiders offered Maxx Crosby a 3‑year, $106.5 million extension—averaging $35.5 million per year with $91.5 million guaranteed. That makes Crosby the highest-paid edge rusher in NFL history, surpassing the likes of Nick Bosa and others .
The Immediate Impact on Watt
Unsurprisingly, that contract sent shockwaves through the Steelers’ front office. Sources say Pittsburgh planned to extend Watt for around $35–37 million per year—but with Crosby setting the bar, these figures are likely outdated . Watt’s camp sees Crosby’s contract as precedent. One NFL analyst stated:
> “Maxx Crosby contract extension now leaves TJ Watt massively underpaid.”
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🏈 Watt’s Current Standing
Existing Deal Details
Watt is entering the final year of a four‑year, $112 million extension signed in 2021—paying him $21.05 million this season . That made him the highest-paid defender at the time, but he’s now only the seventh-highest-compensated edge rusher, behind talents like Garrett, Hunter, and Crosby .
Why He Believes He Deserves More
Watt has consistently been elite: 6× Pro Bowl (2018–2024), 4× First-team All‑Pro (2019–2021, 2023), NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2021), and a three-time sacks leader .
Even in a “down” 2024 year (11.5 sacks), Watt recorded six forced fumbles—the NFL’s best .
However, some argue his stats are inconsistent compared to more dominant rushers like Myles Garrett. In 2024, over a third of Watt’s sacks came against weaker offensive lines (e.g. Giants, Bengals) . And his production tends to spike in cycles, less commanding individual attention than Garrett .
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💰 Where the Steelers Stand
Team’s Stance
The Steelers’ management, led by GM Omar Khan and Coach Mike Tomlin, appear hesitant to overpay. They’ve shown confidence in their roster, committing big contracts to DK Metcalf, Pat Freiermuth, Jalen Ramsey, and Jonnu Smith—despite ample cap space .
Concerns Over Precedent
Front office sources fear structuring Watt’s deal too extravagantly “could set a risky precedent” . Granting Watt the highest non‑QB salary could create imbalance and expectations not in the team’s long-term plans.
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🤝 The Negotiation Tug-of-War
Watt’s Objectives
Watt wants to be the highest-paid non‑quarterback player, a bold ask that surpasses Crosby’s AAV and aligns with Garrett’s rumored $40 million‑plus extensions .
Steelers’ Counterpoints
The team values Watt immensely but sees Crosby’s age‑27 deal as not directly comparable. Watt is 30 now, and they’ll push for a contract reflecting both elite talent and age-related considerations.
They want to reward Watt but avoid future regret if his production dips, or if he faces injuries.
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🔮 What’s Next?
1. Watt returns for training camp on July 23—that will likely intensify contract discussions .
2. Leaks and trade rumors are swirling—though both sides currently deny trade intentions. Pittsburgh claims they plan to re-sign him, while other teams are monitoring the situation .
3. Market dynamics will continue shifting—especially if Garrett or Micah Parsons finalize extensions north of $40 million per year .
4. The negotiation clock starts ticking—Steelers must decide whether to act quickly to avoid a bidding war, or hold firm and risk alienating their linebacker.
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🧩 Bottom Line
Crosby’s $35.5 M deal established a new salary baseline for elite edge rushers.
Watt’s camp wants even more, likely near the $40 million per year mark, citing sustained dominance and forced fumble leadership.
Steelers are cautious, considering his age, negotiating precedent, and the cap implications of big deals across the roster.
Negotiations will intensify as camp begins—and both sides will need to find common ground. Time is short, and a protracted holdout could negatively impact both Watt and the team’s competitive aspirations.
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In summary, the tug-of-war between Crosby’s market-setting extension and Watt’s pursuit of parity or more encapsulates a pivotal moment—one that could define Pittsburgh’s 2025 season and Watt’s legacy. The key question remains: will the Steelers blink first—and if so, how fast?