T.J. Watt’s Interesting Instagram Post Sparks Speculation About Steelers Contract Talks

Could T.J. Watts’ emoji-free peace sign be a subtle sign of discontent? Pittsburgh fans are now watching more than just tape.

T.J. Watt doesn’t speak loudly — he doesn’t have to. As the emotional and physical anchor of the Pittsburgh Steelers defense, Watt has always let his play do the talking. But this week, it was a quiet Instagram post that spoke volumes.

On Wednesday night, the former Defensive Player of the Year posted a photo to his Instagram with no caption — just Watt holding up a peace sign. That’s it. No context. No comment. Just a subtle gesture that’s left fans and analysts reading between the lines.

In a different world, the photo might’ve been dismissed as a casual midweek post. But with Watt due for an extension and negotiations reportedly hitting a few bumps, some around the league are seeing something more.

After talking to people, I’d keep an eye on this #Steelers T.J. Watt contract situation moving forward a little more closely. It doesn’t appear that the IG picture (below) he posted yesterday was just by chance. I’d imagine an extension is still going to eventually get done, but… pic.twitter.com/OdPLn1H1jB

— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) April 10, 2025

Watt Extension Talks May Be Slowing

According to local reporting and national voices like NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, there may be more behind the post than meets the eye. Steelers insider Mark Kaboly noted that conversations surrounding Watt’s next deal aren’t moving as smoothly as once anticipated.

The timing? Not coincidental.

Watt is entering the final year of his four-year, $112 million contract signed in 2021. He’s slated to earn $21 million in 2025, but no one in Pittsburgh realistically expects him to play a single snap of that season without a new deal in hand.

He’s too important, too iconic, and too productive.

So why the delay?

The Garrett Factor: Setting the Market

Part of the complication likely stems from Cleveland. Myles Garrett — Watt’s biggest contemporary rival for the league’s best defensive player — recently signed a market-shifting extension worth $160 million over four years. That’s $40 million per season, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.

Watt’s resume? It’s just as stacked.

Chris Canty on the idea of the Steelers trading TJ Watt and their first round pick (21) for Brock Purdy:

“I don’t know how the 49ers say no to that.”

🎥: @FirstTake pic.twitter.com/pdql2lIxx8

— Coach Yac 🗣 (@Coach_Yac) April 11, 2025

In fact, over the past seven seasons, Watt has racked up seven Pro Bowl selections, four First-Team All-Pro nods, and the 2021 Defensive Player of the Year award. Garrett’s earned similar accolades, including DPOY honors last season.

The only difference? Age.

Watt turns 31 early next season. Garrett won’t hit that mark until December. That one-year gap could be enough for Pittsburgh to try negotiating a slightly lower number — and for Watt’s camp to push back hard.

Reading the Peace Sign

If Watt’s Instagram post was a signal — and all signs suggest it was — it may have been just subtle enough to say, “We’re not there yet.”

“I never want to be a distraction,” Watt has said in the past. That makes it unlikely he’ll make a public spectacle of the negotiations. But if he wants the Steelers to know he’s watching the market and expecting his due? A cryptic post might be just enough.

Negotiating through social media may not be his style, but this is the modern NFL. And in a digital world, even silence has a sound.

What’s Next for Watt and the Steelers?

No one around the league expects T.J. Watt to walk away from Pittsburgh. He’s the heartbeat of the franchise and arguably the best player to wear the uniform since Troy Polamalu. But this latest moment of social media intrigue does suggest one thing: The deal isn’t done.

Not yet.

And for a city that thrives on toughness, loyalty, and defense-first football, it’s a reminder that sometimes even the most dependable stars can send a quiet message when the moment calls for it.

Expect the Steelers to answer — and soon.