Pittsburgh Steelers star pass-rusher T.J. Watt could need to ship quarterback and new teammate Aaron Rodgers a present basket later this summer time.
Throughout a Tuesday look on “The Pat McAfee Present,” Rodgers revealed that he’s “fairly positive” he’ll retire from enjoying after he spends the 2025 season with the Steelers. Whereas talking with McAfee about Pittsburgh’s roster, Rodgers additionally appeared to ship a message to the Steelers concerning Watt’s much-publicized need for a contract extension.
“As soon as we get our Corridor of Fame exterior rush-backer signed, you are speaking about one other man who’s a pacesetter, not simply by his instance, however by his phrases,” Rodgers mentioned whereas referencing Watt, as shared by Josh Carney of Steelers Depot.
Watt is within the final 12 months
of the contract extension he signed in 2021, and presumably is on the lookout for a major pay elevate after he stayed away from the membership all through its three-day necessary minicamp that ran from June 10-12. Particularly, a number of Steelers reporters have advised Watt is seeking to higher the four-year, $160M extension that included $123.5M assured that Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns obtained shortly after he went public with a commerce request in February.
There is not any indication that Watt will use such a tactic to get what he desires from the Steelers this summer time. That mentioned, Watt’s subsequent deal may change into dearer for Pittsburgh than what his asking value was as of the morning of June 24 if Micah Parsons of the Dallas Cowboys or Trey Hendrickson of the Cincinnati Bengals resets the market earlier than Watt places pen to paper on an settlement.
“I’ll give the Steelers every part that I acquired and empty the tank and be tremendous comfy and happy with no matter occurs,” Rodgers informed the “McAfee” crew, per Nick Shook of the NFL’s web site. “Clearly, we dream about enjoying on the highest stage within the greatest video games.”
The Steelers undeniably would have a greater likelihood of profitable the season’s “greatest video games” with a cheerful Watt as a part of their protection by means of a minimum of January 2026. It definitely appears like Rodgers expects the Steelers to get one thing performed with Watt earlier than veteran gamers are due to report back to coaching camp on July 23.
