**Steelers and T.J. Watt Negotiating New Contract Amid Rising Market**

The Pittsburgh Steelers are fervently working on securing a new contract for their star outside linebacker, T.J. Watt, ahead of the upcoming season. Sources indicate that the team is eager to finalize an agreement with the four-time All-Pro and ex-NFL Defensive Player of the Year before the start of regular games.

Watt, entering the final year of his five-year, $112 million deal signed in 2021, has likely seen his market value soar due to recent offseason moves. Notably, Cleveland Browns' defensive end Myles Garrett received a four-year, $160 million extension, with nearly $124 million guaranteed, setting a new benchmark. Additionally, the Steelers themselves have raised their financial bar by trading for wide receiver DK Metcalf and extending him a five-year, $150 million contract with $60 million guaranteed.

As negotiations progress, the Steelers face the challenge of balancing their investment with Watt's contributions and his age. The star linebacker turns 31 in October, and it's commonly observed that many elite edge rushers see a decline in performance post-30. Examples include Von Miller, who experienced a dip in sack numbers after his 30th birthday, and DeMarcus Ware, whose productivity also waned in the later stages of his career. On the contrary, some players like Khalil Mack have defied this trend, registering career-high statistics well into their 30s.

In the 2022 season, Watt delivered 11.5 sacks, a noticeable dip compared to his previous performances. Despite this, his overall value to the team remains substantial, considering his unparalleled past achievements, including leading the league in sacks during three of the past five seasons and tying the NFL's single-season sack record with 22.5 in 2021.

The crux of the ongoing contract discussions revolves around meeting Watt's financial expectations and determining the extent of guaranteed money the Steelers are prepared to offer. Currently, four players hold contracts that surpass Watt's previous deal, including Garrett and Nick Bosa from the San Francisco 49ers.

In all likelihood, a resolution favorable to both parties seems imminent, especially given the Steelers' history of rewarding key players for their past and projected contributions. While T.J. Watt's new deal is expected to be considerably more lucrative than the contract recently afforded to veteran Cam Heyward, who was 35, it underscores the team's commitment to retaining its defensive powerhouse.

As the anticipation builds, fans and analysts alike remain keenly observant of how the Steelers choose to navigate this critical negotiation to keep their all-time sack leader in Pittsburgh.