The Baltimore Ravens’ division rivals have been the center of attention for all the wrong reasons this offseason. The Cleveland Browns have one of the worst quarterback situations the NFL has seen in the last couple of years, the Cincinnati Bengals have refused to pay the main contributors on the defense, and now there is trouble in paradise with the Pittsburgh Steelers and elite pass rusher T.J. Watt.
ESPN insider Adam Schefter reported that Watt has become unhappy with his current contract situation, and while he has been adamant about remaining a Steeler during this saga, things could quickly get ugly. He has yet to request a trade, and the optimism is still high that a deal will eventually get done. If Pittsburgh wants to get one done, though, it would be wise to do so soon, especially looking at the Bengals' situation.
The Bengals are in the midst of talks with 2024 sack leader Trey Hendrickson on a contract extension. But, while the negotiations have progressed since the debacle unfolding earlier in the offseason, the outlook on his future in Cincinnati is still shady.
The 30-year-old is seeking a value of well over $30 million per year, a deserved salary for one of the league’s best pass rushers. With these talks slowed, Pittsburgh should pounce on the opportunity to get Watt locked in on a price before it inflates. However, Ravens fans would not complain if things turn sour.
Steelers’ relationship with T.J. Watt could be on the brink of falling out
Watt has been a force on Pittsburgh’s defense since his selection in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Since his rookie year, he has turned in double-digit sack campaigns, excluding 2022, when he missed seven games due to a torn pectoral muscle. He has been a significant thorn in the Ravens’ side, too.
The Wisconsin product has tallied 17 sacks against the Ravens over his career, tied for his most against a team with the Browns. He also set the record for sacks against Baltimore last year, now sitting one ahead of Steelers legend James Harrison, who had 16. If the Ravens can cap off their outstanding offseason by watching two of their division rivals lose their superstar pass rushers, it would be the icing on the cake.
It would be foolish not to extend a player of Watt’s caliber. Although Myles Garrett drove the price up into the stratosphere in March with his four-year $160 million contract, which included an average annual salary of $40 million, Watt has shown that he is worthy of every penny. Still, it seems like the team has yet to move toward an agreement.
The slow-moving talks also opened the door for trade speculation. The Steelers have no intention of trading Watt, but as the season draws closer, there is no contract on the table. Baltimore could get lucky with another rival defensive star losing faith with their front office, and they could strengthen their grip on the division crown without having to lift a finger.