The Steelers' 2025 Super Bowl hopes are high with Rodgers & Ramsey, but a contract stalemate with T.J. Watt threatens to derail their ambitious offseason.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
Just when Steeler Nation was getting used to the idea of Aaron Rodgers in black and gold, a storm cloud has formed over the franchise. Star pass-rusher T.J. Watt and the Steelers are reportedly 'nowhere close' on a contract extension, creating a tense standoff that overshadows a series of blockbuster offseason moves designed for one thing: a Super Bowl run.
They're 'nowhere close' to an agreement.
The biggest story in Pittsburgh isn't who's new, but who might not be happy. T.J. Watt, the heart and soul of the defense, is locked in a contract stalemate with the front office. Reports on Wednesday confirmed the two sides are far apart, casting a pall over the team's preparations. While the Steelers have publicly stated they have no intention of trading their defensive captain, the situation is a significant distraction. Fans know all too well how Watt's late-season injury derailed the 2024 campaign; his presence, both on the field and in the locker room, is non-negotiable for a team with championship aspirations.
While the Watt drama unfolds, the Steelers' secondary has undergone a seismic shift. In one of the offseason's most shocking trades, All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick is heading back to Miami, the team that drafted him. In return, the Steelers acquired perennial Pro Bowl cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith from the Dolphins. This move fundamentally changes the defensive identity, swapping Fitzpatrick's center-field prowess for Ramsey's shutdown corner capabilities. It's a high-risk, high-reward gamble that signals the team is prioritizing elite man coverage to support its ferocious pass rush.
The man tasked with leading this revamped squad is none other than 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers. His signing was the headline of the offseason, but questions linger about how much the legendary QB has left in the tank. He'll have a new weapon in Jonnu Smith, acquired in the Ramsey trade, but the tight end room took a hit this week. Donald Parham Jr. was placed on season-ending injured reserve with an Achilles tear, a tough blow for the team's depth. The offense will rely on Rodgers' veteran savvy, contributions from rookie RB Kaleb Johnson, and the hope that the new pieces can gel quickly.
Beyond the big names, the Steelers have been building through the draft. The 2025 class, led by DT Derrick Harmon from Oregon and Ohio State QB Will Howard, will get their first taste of the pros when training camp opens in August. They'll be tested early with a preseason slate against the Jaguars, Buccaneers, and Panthers. While the focus is on 2025, the development of these rookies, including DE Jack Sawyer and CB Donte Kent, is crucial for sustaining success. The defense, which led the league in turnovers forced last year, will look to integrate its new pieces and build on a dominant 2024.
The Steelers have pushed all their chips to the middle of the table. They've acquired a future Hall of Fame quarterback and a shutdown corner, signaling a clear 'win-now' mentality. But it all feels fragile. The team's success hinges on two massive ifs: securing their defensive cornerstone, T.J. Watt, for the long term, and the health and performance of a 41-year-old quarterback. As training camp approaches, the stakes have never been higher in Pittsburgh.
