Las Vegas, NV — May 20, 2025
In a stunning development that could send shockwaves through the NFL, Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro linebacker T.J. Watt has publicly expressed growing frustration with his current contract situation — and issued a clear warning to his longtime team: renew his deal or risk losing him to the Las Vegas Raiders.
Speaking with reporters after offseason workouts in Pittsburgh, Watt did not mince words.
“I’ve given everything to this organization — blood, sweat, and championships,” Watt said. “But business is business. If they don’t get something done soon, I have no problem moving on. And if that time comes, I already know where I want to go — Vegas.”
Raiders Waste No Time
Within hours of Watt’s comments, sources inside the Las Vegas Raiders organization confirmed that the franchise has already made a concrete offer: a two-year, $50,011,000 contract, including $42 million guaranteed — making it one of the richest short-term defensive deals in NFL history.
Raiders Head Coach Pete Carroll, known for his aggressive, win-now approach since taking over in 2025, commented on the situation with enthusiasm:
“We’re not in this league to play it safe. We’re here to compete for championships. A player like T.J. Watt doesn’t become available often — and if he is, we’re going to be ready.”
A Historic Opportunity
T.J. Watt, a six-time Pro Bowler and three-time NFL sack leader, has been the face of Pittsburgh’s defense for nearly a decade. But with negotiations reportedly stalled and the Steelers hesitant to fully guarantee the final years of a new deal, the door has now swung wide open for outside suitors.
Watt’s hypothetical arrival in Las Vegas would mark a historic pairing alongside fellow defensive star Maxx Crosby, instantly giving the Raiders the league’s most feared pass-rushing duo.
“You can’t double both of us,” Crosby posted cryptically on X (formerly Twitter) shortly after the news broke, fueling further speculation.
Tom Brady’s Silent Influence
Raiders minority owner Tom Brady is also believed to be a driving force behind the push for Watt, seeing him as a culture-setter and future Hall of Famer who could elevate the team’s championship window.
“You build dynasties with guys like T.J. — guys who show up, dominate, and lead,” a source close to Brady said. “This isn’t just a football move. This is a Raiders legacy move.”
Watt’s Final Word?
When pressed again on whether he would truly leave Pittsburgh if no deal is reached, Watt’s response was short but powerful:
“If they don’t move, I will. And Vegas is more than ready.”
THE VERDICT:
T.J. Watt is officially on watch. The Steelers are on the clock. And the Raiders are holding the checkbook.
The NFL offseason just got a lot more intense — and Raider Nation is watching it unfold with fire in their eyes.
