This article was originally published on www.si.com/nfl/steelers as T.J. Watt Names Three Young Steelers Who've Impressed Him. PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers have been a defense-first team since the retirement of franchise quarterback Ben Roethlisberger at the end of the 2021 NFL season.

Pittsburgh hasn’t won a playoff game since the 2016 season, and it’s counting on the legendary, 41-year-old quarterback to take the next step.

However, there aren’t many downsides to the Steelers giving Heyward a pay bump. It’s a good look to reward one of the team’s top defensive players over the past decade-plus, and with over $35 million in top-51 cap space, they have plenty of room to make the financial details work.

Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro outside linebacker T.J. Watt gave ringing endorsements to three young defensive players during an interview with Missi […] This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: T.

This bonkers trade pitch would see the Cowboys and Steelers swap Micah Parsons and T.J. Watt in a blockbuster deal.

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Cameron Heyward returned to practice Tuesday, ending a hold-in that spanned nearly two weeks amid his contract negotiations. But according to ESPN's Brooke Pryor, his participation does not signal any steps toward a new deal nor his acceptance of playing on his present contract.

Watt noted in his message that he won't return to Spain until February due to his NFL work on CBS. Regarding Watt's plans stateside, he'll kick off his 2025 NFL season in the spotlight, covering Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers' trip to the New York Jets on Sunday, Sept. 7.

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin ruled outside linebacker T.J. Watt, defensive lineman Cam Heyward, quarterback Aaron Rodgers, and wide receiver DK Metcalf for the team’s final preseason game against the Carolina Panthers.