Insider outlines the Steelers’ contingency mindset on T.J. Watt contract situation

T.J. Watt’s contract holdoff with the Steelers is heating up, and insiders say Pittsburgh’s front office may be preparing for the worst. Watt, a four-time All-Pro and seven-time Pro Bowler, wants a deal that reflects his dominance off the edge. However, negotiations have stalled, and the team is eyeing its contingency plan: the franchise tag.

"I don't think they want to do it, but they've said it a number of times, that it's a tool they can have at their disposal if they had to do it,” NFL insider Mark Kaboly said on "93.7 The Fan."

Tagging Watt would keep him in black and gold for another year, but could fuel tension if it blocks his shot at long-term security. Most NFL stars hate the tag, as it locks them in at top-tier pay but strips away negotiating leverage. For Watt, it may be a frustrating scenario considering his résumé and value.

Meanwhile, Rich Eisen made his feelings known about Watt's landing spot.

“Google all you want. … It’s not going to happen,” Eisen said Thursday, slamming the idea of Pittsburgh parting way with Watt.

Eisen doubled down, calling every NFL team—including the Steelers—a perfect fit for Watt. But one thing’s clear: the contract drama has officially taken center stage in Pittsburgh.

Jeremy Fowler gives the latest T.J. Watt contract update

Mike Tomlin's Pittburgh Steelers might be inching closer to locking down T.J. Watt as Jeremy Fowler dropped a major update on the 30-year-old edge rusher's contract situation.

Watt was the 2021 Defensive Player of the Year and is entering the final year of his current deal. The edge rusher market is booming, with Myles Garrett getting his $40 million per year contract in March. Now, all eyes are on Pittsburgh to see if they'll choose to reset the market, making Watt the highest-paid linebacker.

On SportsCenter on Saturday, Fowler said:

"I talked to somebody with the team who said, ‘Look, these are complicated deals to do, but we are working on it. We want T.J. Watt here.’”

The All-Pro linebacker is expected to reset the market and become the highest-paid edge rusher in the league, possibly eclipsing Myles Garrett’s recent $160 million payday.