Steelers owner wants TJ Watt deal done by regular season

Pittsburgh Steelers owner Art Rooney II is optimistic the Steelers can re-sign star outside linebacker TJ Watt to a deal before the regular season he told ESPN’s Brooke Pryor.

Steelers owner and team president Art Rooneysaid he would like to get TJ Watt’s deal done before the regular season.

Asked if he was optimistic it would happen, he demurred. Said he’s been part of a lot of negotiations that have gone a lot of different ways.

— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) August 3, 2021

Watt, is entering the final year of his rookie contract. The Wisconsin product is coming off a 2020 season that saw him lead the NFL in sacks with 15. He finished as runner up for Defensive Player of the Year behind Los Angeles Rams pass rusher Aaron Donald. Prior to last season, the Steelers exercised the fifth-year option on his contract.

Watt, the younger brother of Arizona Cardinals star JJ Watt and Steelers fullback Derek Watt, has been selected to the Pro Bowl the last three seasons. Through four seasons, TJ Watt has 49.5 sacks to his name, 17 forced fumbles and 59 tackles for loss. In 2020 alone, Watt had 23 tackles for loss.

Entering the 2021 season, the defense around Watt will look a little different. Outside linebacker Bud Dupree signed with the Tennessee Titans but just days ago, the Steelers signed veteran Melvin Ingram who could see time opposite Watt.

TJ Watt had a tumultuous start to his football career at Wisconsin. He redshirted in 2013, missed the 2014 season due to injury, before finally suiting up in 2015. After being recruited as a tight end, Watt moved to linebacker prior to 2015. Finally, in 2016, Watt put it all together, recording 63 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks.

Rooney also told media in the same availability that 2021 might not be quarterback Ben Rothelisberger’s final season.

“We’re aware this could be Ben’s last year. We hope it’s a great one,” Rooney told media. “That’s as far as we can go with it right now. Obviously, if this is his last year, then next year we’ll be making decisions on a QB.”

Pittsburgh is coming off a 12-4 season in 2020 that saw them finish first in the AFC North. The Steelers lost in the Wild Card round to division rival Cleveland. In the loss, TJ Watt had three tackles and one tackle for loss.