Steelers’ Alex Highsmith Makes Big TJ Watt Claim Amid Departure Rumors

The future of star outside linebacker TJ Watt with the Pittsburgh Steelers beyond the 2025 NFL season remains up in the air. Watt is entering the final season of his contract, and without an extension on the table, there is a possibility that he’ll leave the team via free agency – or perhaps through a trade.

But amid all the rumors surrounding Watt and his Steelers outlook, Pittsburgh linebacker Alex Highsmith believes that at the end of the day, the two sides will get on the same page and work out a new deal. 

“I’m confident that he’s not going anywhere, Highsmith said (via Nick Shook of NFL.com). 

“It was a cool picture at the game, I ain’t gonna lie, Highsmith added, referencing a photo previously posted by Watt that got people on the internet buzzing.

“But, I know that he loves being here, he loves being in Pittsburgh and the city of Pittsburgh loves him and so I know that they’re gonna do whatever they can to get a deal done. And so hopefully sooner than later. Cause everyone knows that he’s a generational talent, generational player. We all know that he wants to be in this building.”

Still a waiting game for Watt, Pittsburgh Steelers

Part of the reason the Steelers have yet to offer an extension contract to Watt may be the new contract signed by Myles Garrett with the Cleveland Browns. Cleveland inked Garrett to a four-year extension deal worth $160 million. Watt could be looking for a contract heftier than Garrett’s, or perhaps close to it.

Watt, who won the 2021 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, recorded 11.5 sacks with 61 combined tackles and 27 quarterback hits in 17 games during the 2024 NFL campaign. He has racked up at least 11.5 sacks in six of his first eight seasons in the league.