
Steelers Face Familiar Challenges: Quarterback Uncertainty and T.J. Watt’s Extension
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2024 season followed a pattern that fans have become all too familiar with. Despite making a significant change at quarterback in the offseason—followed by another switch midway through the year—the team once again fell short when it mattered most. Their campaign ended in disappointment with a blowout loss to the Baltimore Ravens in the Wild Card Round.
Now, as the Steelers head into the offseason, they must figure out how to break this cycle and transition from a fringe playoff team to a true contender in the AFC. One of their biggest priorities will be securing star pass rusher T.J. Watt with a contract extension before he enters the final year of his current deal in 2025.
T.J. Watt’s Extension a Top Priority
Steelers owner Art Rooney II has made it clear that keeping Watt in Pittsburgh is a priority, and the organization wants to finalize a new deal soon.
“That’s something we want to look at this offseason,” Rooney said, per Mike DeFabo of The Athletic. “T.J. has been one of the foundations of the defense for quite a number of years now and certainly hope we can have T.J. for the future beyond this year.”
While Watt didn’t have his typical dominant production in 2024, he still posted 11.5 sacks and earned Second-Team All-Pro honors. He remains a key piece of a defense that has consistently been Pittsburgh’s strongest unit. If the Steelers want to remain competitive while they continue searching for a franchise quarterback, retaining Watt is essential.
Quarterback Remains Pittsburgh’s Biggest Hurdle
While Watt’s contract situation is important, the Steelers’ biggest challenge remains at quarterback. The team has struggled to find consistency at the position since Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement, and that was once again evident in 2024.
Pittsburgh attempted to address the issue last offseason by acquiring both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, hoping that one of them would emerge as the clear starter. However, that never happened. Fields began the season under center while Wilson was sidelined with a calf injury. When Wilson returned, he took over, but the offense remained stagnant.
This mirrored past struggles with Kenny Pickett, as the Steelers’ offense failed to produce consistently outside of the occasional deep shot to George Pickens. The unit lacked both explosiveness and efficiency, leading to another season where the defense had to carry the team.
Now, with both Wilson and Fields set to become free agents, the Steelers must decide their next move. However, their options for upgrading at quarterback appear limited, making it unclear how they will break out of this cycle.
Breaking the Cycle
The Steelers have remained a competitive team under head coach Mike Tomlin, consistently stringing together winning seasons and playoff appearances. However, without a legitimate franchise quarterback, they have been unable to take the next step and truly contend in the AFC.
The fanbase has grown increasingly impatient with the team’s inability to fix the quarterback position, and this offseason could be a pivotal moment for the organization. Whether they attempt to acquire a new quarterback or roll with another short-term option, it’s clear that until they find a true difference-maker under center, the Steelers will continue to be stuck in the same frustrating cycle.
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