Life is pretty good right now if you’re T.J. Watt. He and his wife recently welcomed the birth of their first child this offseason. He’s made over $100 million in his career. He does commercials, he’s on track for both the Hall of Fame and a big contract extension and he’s one of the most feared defensive players in football.
There’s no question that all of that is appreciated by Watt, but unfortunately there is much that is lacking for him. While he’s racked up numerous individual accolades as a Pittsburgh Steeler, he remains without a Super Bowl ring or appearance. He’s yet to play well in a postseason game and of greatest importance to him, he has yet to win a postseason game either.
To make matters worse, Watt will turn 31 years old in October and most dominant pass rushers typically start their decline at this stage. And then there’s that quarterback problem too. While Watt has spent his career tormenting them, he now finds himself on a team that is lacking one. No offense to Mason Rudolph, but expectations are not exactly high for the Black and Gold in 2025 and Watt has to know this.
Having an elite quarterback is a must in today’s NFL. Just look at the QBs that have reached the Super Bowl in recent years and sure, there’s a Jimmy Garoppolo and Brock Purdy but there’s also Patrick Mahomes, Jalen Hurts, Joe Burrow, Tom Brady and so on. Therefore, what must T.J. Watt be thinking right now?
He’s been incredibly firm in his stance on playing for Mike Tomlin. He’s said nothing in regards to wanting to finish his career elsewhere and he plays for an organization that still regrets decisions with guys like Franco Harris and Rod Woodson. This summer will likely bring tough decisions for the Steelers and Watt.
They could trade him while he still has tremendous value or they can give him an extension which will lower their cap hit. Doing that also invites the debate over whether or not it’s worth it. If Watt follows the trend of so many other pass rushers and declines significantly, then there will be tremendous second-guessing.
For Watt himself, it can’t be an easy decision. He may sound convinced in front of microphones and cameras, but is he staring his older brother’s career in the mirror? J.J. Watt was also highly decorated as a player but he never got to a Super Bowl either.
Ask any former Steelers’ player and they’ll tell you that there’s a difference in how players are treated between those with Super Bowl rings and those without. It’s not intentional or mean, it’s just the way it is. Unless something miraculous happens in the next couple of seasons in Pittsburgh mostly at the quarterback position, then Watt is likely destined to join those without the ring…
Unless he and the team decide he can get it elsewhere.
