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Maxx Crosby’s monster payday with the Las Vegas Raiders just sent shockwaves through the NFL‘s elite pass rusher market. While rumors swirl about Myles Garrett possibly leaving the Cleveland Browns, two other game-wreckers — Trey Hendrickson of the Cincinnati Bengals and TJ Watt of the Pittsburgh Steelers — are watching closely as they enter contract years. The big question looming: will their teams pony up the cash?
Looking at this trio of unsigned pass rushers, Hendrickson clearly sits third in the pecking order. Garrett might possess the most raw talent among them, but I’d argue Watt’s career trajectory puts him on track for the most impressive legacy. Here’s the problem — while both Garrett and Hendrickson could realistically find new homes in the next year, Watt seems destined to wear black and gold for his entire career.
That Steelers loyalty might actually work against him at the negotiating table.
Pittsburgh has financial flexibility to lock up Watt this offseason — avoiding a potential disaster next year — but their quarterback situation complicates matters. They desperately need either a team-friendly deal with Justin Fields or a rookie QB on an affordable rookie contract to create the cap space necessary for Watt’s extension. Every day that passes without a new deal only drives up the eventual price tag.
Maxx Crosby contract extension now leaves TJ Watt massively underpaid
Watt turns 31 this season and is set to earn just over $30.4 million in 2024. While he’s worth every penny (and more), that age-30 threshold matters in NFL front offices. Yes, he’s been more durable than his brother JJ, but TJ’s impressive individual accolades haven’t translated to postseason success — he hasn’t won a single playoff game with Pittsburgh, let alone reached the Super Bowl.
This isn’t on Watt’s shoulders. The blame falls squarely on Mike Tomlin’s increasingly questionable leadership. The once-celebrated coach is starting to resemble Marvin Lewis during his Bengal days — talking about “handling adversity” while actually manufacturing unnecessary drama within his own locker room. Tomlin creates enemies where none need exist.
Here’s the uncomfortable question worth asking: what tangible benefit have teams received from paying premium prices for elite edge rushers? Ironically, Cincinnati might have gotten the best value with Hendrickson — a player who wasn’t considered elite during his Saints tenure but helped lead the Bengals to a Super Bowl appearance. His production-to-salary ratio towers over his peers.
The Steelers face a franchise-defining decision.
While extending Watt seems like the obvious move, letting him walk might force Pittsburgh into the complete roster rebuild they’ve been avoiding for years. Sometimes the hardest choice is the right one — even when it involves your best player.
