As speculation swirls around the future of star pass rusher T.J. Watt, one of his closest teammates is offering a message of reassurance to Steelers Nation. Linebacker Alex Highsmith, who has spent the past few seasons playing alongside Watt, expressed firm confidence that the face of Pittsburgh’s defense isn’t going anywhere—even as Watt heads into the final year of his contract.
“I’m confident that he’s not going anywhere,” Highsmith said in a recent interview, brushing off rumors that the Steelers could lose Watt in free agency or via trade if a new deal isn’t reached soon. “He loves being here, he loves being in Pittsburgh, and the city loves him. I know they’re going to do whatever they can to get a deal done.”
The show of support from Highsmith comes as fans and analysts alike begin to wonder what lies ahead for the 2021 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Watt, who turns 31 during the 2025 season, is still performing at an elite level—coming off a 2024 campaign in which he posted 11.5 sacks, 61 tackles, and 27 quarterback hits in 17 games.
But with no extension yet on the table and superstar edge rusher Myles Garrett recently landing a massive four-year, $160 million extension from the rival Browns, the question becomes whether Pittsburgh is willing—or able—to match that kind of commitment.
A Steeler Through and Through?
Watt, drafted by Pittsburgh in 2017, has long been viewed as the heart of the Steelers’ defense and one of the most dominant edge rushers in the NFL. He’s recorded at least 11.5 sacks in six of his eight seasons and has become a fan favorite for both his on-field intensity and off-field leadership.
A cryptic photo recently posted by Watt, possibly signaling a crossroads in his Steelers journey, stirred some unease among fans. But Highsmith believes it’s all just noise.
“It was a cool picture at the game, I ain’t gonna lie,” Highsmith said with a smile. “But we all know he wants to be in this building.”
The Business Side of Football
While the Steelers have traditionally prioritized keeping homegrown talent, the market dynamics are tricky. Watt’s value is undeniably high, and he’s likely eyeing a deal that would match or surpass Garrett’s record-setting numbers. That puts pressure on Pittsburgh’s front office to balance cap space, future planning, and loyalty to one of the franchise’s premier players.
The team may also be waiting to see how the offseason market shakes out, or evaluating how to manage other key contracts before committing big money to Watt.
What’s Next
As it stands, the ball is in Pittsburgh’s court. Watt’s track record and Highsmith’s endorsement speak volumes about his importance to the team. But whether the two sides can bridge the financial gap remains to be seen.
For now, the message from the Steelers locker room is clear: T.J. Watt isn’t just a great player—he’s a cornerstone of the franchise. And if Alex Highsmith is right, both Watt and the Steelers will find a way to make it work.
Stay tuned for the next move in what could be one of the defining offseason stories for Pittsburgh.
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