Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Omar Khan hints the team is looking to extend linebacker T.J. Watt soon.
INDIANAPOLIS —Pittsburgh Steelers star linebacker T.J. Watt is entering the final year of his contract in 2025. However, general manager Omar Khan doesn't expect that to be the case for much longer, hinting an extension could be coming soon.
"T.J.'s one of those legacy guys," Khan said . "I was around Hines Ward and Troy Polamalu . Those guys played their entire careers here and that's a special thing. I'm hopeful and confident that T.J. will be one of those guys."
The 30-year-old did have a bit of a down year in 2024, registering the third least sacks in a season (11.5) in his career. The other two seasons were his rookie year (seven sacks) and 2022 (5.5 sacks) when he played in just 10 games due to a knee injury.
Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt during a game against the Indianapolis Colts on Sept. 29, 2024. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
That resulted in many speculating whether the Steelers would be open to moving the 2021 NFL Defensive Player of the Year this offseason. But that was quickly shut down by president Art Rooney II and Watt, himself.
"I want to be a Pittsburgh Steeler," Watt said . "You guys know that. I don't want to leave this place. I want to be part of the solution. I've put so much into it here."
Watt signed a four-year, $112 million extension ahead of the 2021 season that made him the highest paid defensive player in the NFL. He has since been surpassed but that won't be the case for much longer.
According to Spotrac , Watt is expected to receive another four-year extension worth $128.97 million ($32.2 million per year).
Khan wasn't willing to share the exact timeline of when that extension could happen, but it's safe to assume it will be sometime between now and the start of the 2025 season.
"I don't want to get into details on that. It's been different, depending on the circumstances," Khan said. "T.J.'s been a big part of this team. I'm confident and hopeful that he'll be here for a long time."
Alan Saunders provided reporting from Indianapolis.
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