It was a somber atmosphere yesterday as the Steelers cleaned out their lockers following another disappointing season. Amid the goodbyes and the frustration, though, players were thinking about the future of the team and of their teammates.
One of the players looking ahead to the 2025-26 season was TJ Watt, the All-Pro linebacker who will enter the final year of a four-year contract that will pay him $21.05 million. The 30-year-old Watt told reporters that he wants to stay in Pittsburgh and retire as a Steeler, and he’s open to talks on an extension.
Quarterback Russell Wilson is one of the Steelers with a more uncertain future, as the Steelers will have to make a decision on whether or not to sign him as a free agent. He said he hopes to stay, citing his love for the city, the team, and coach Mike Tomlin. Most of all, he says he wants to stay because the Steelers can win.
Tight end Pat Freiermuth reflected on teammates who will move on, including the departure of his good friend Najee Harris, who is unlikely to return. Freiermuth says the Steelers as a team have to be better.
A couple of roster moves yesterday…the Steelers signed practice squad offensive lineman Doug Nester to a reserve/future contract and they changed outside linebacker Julius Welschof’s status from practice squad player to international practice squad player.
