By Blessing 
As the NFL offseason heats up, all eyes are on Pittsburgh Steelers star pass-rusher T.J. Watt, who’s currently pushing for a new deal that could dramatically shift the financial landscape for defensive players across the league — and possibly complicate things for the Detroit Lions.
Watt, one of the league’s premier edge rushers, is reportedly unhappy with his current contract and chose to skip the team’s mandatory minicamp. This move signals frustration, and sources close to the situation say negotiations with the Steelers have been rocky, much like in 2021.
During a recent radio interview, CBS Sports NFL reporter Aditi Kinkhabwala shed light on the lingering tensions.
“T.J. Watt was openly told, ‘You’re fortunate to be a Steeler.’ And his response was, ‘You’re fortunate to have me,’” she recalled.
Kinkhabwala emphasized the Steelers’ long-standing culture of expecting loyalty from players, often asking them to take a “hometown discount” simply for the privilege of wearing the black and gold.
“The Steelers’ attitude, the Steelers’ mindset, and you see this from so many fans too, is that it is such a privilege to be in this uniform, to wear this helmet,“ she added. “Therefore, you should take a hometown discount just because you get to play for one of these cornerstone, trademark organizations.”
If Watt succeeds in securing a blockbuster deal — one that potentially resets the entire edge rusher market — it could have ripple effects, especially for Detroit. The Lions’ own defensive cornerstone, Aidan Hutchinson, might see his market value skyrocket in response.
Hutchinson, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, has already proven to be a major defensive force. Alongside other edge rushers like Trey Hendrickson, he’s due for a significant payday — especially considering recent contracts given to Maxx Crosby and Myles Garrett.
NFL insider Tom Pelissero told the Rich Eisen Show,
“What do I see being the most likely way that this sorts itself out sometime between now and Sept. 8, which is their opener? They end up getting a deal done with T.J. Watt… All I would tell you, Rich, is it is going to be big money… I believe we’re going to see a reset in the edge market again.”
While some, like former Lions lineman Jon Jansen, have advised Hutchinson to bet on himself and wait until next offseason, the Lions’ front office might want to consider locking him in sooner rather than later.
Delaying negotiations could cost Detroit significantly more if the edge rusher market explodes. General manager Brad Holmes already faces a growing list of players due for contract extensions, and Hutchinson’s future price tag might become tougher to manage if Watt’s deal sets a new financial benchmark.
Simply put, waiting might mean paying far more — and the Lions could find themselves in a tight spot if they don’t act soon.