Pittsburgh Steelers Lock In TJ Watt, Catch Massive Break Ahead of Week 4 Showdown in Dublin
The Pittsburgh Steelers are making major waves before training camp even begins. Just days before players are set to report on July 23, ESPN’s Adam Schefter dropped a bombshell: the Steelers and superstar linebacker T.J. Watt have agreed to a three-year, $123 million contract extension, making Watt the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history — for the second time.
According to early reports, the deal includes a jaw-dropping $108 million in guarantees. Watt, 30, has been the NFL’s most dominant pass rusher over the past five seasons, tallying 73.5 sacks in that span. This extension not only locks down a franchise cornerstone, but reinforces the Steelers’ longstanding message: play elite football in black and gold, and you’ll be rewarded.
But the Watt extension isn’t the only reason for Steelers Nation to celebrate.
The team may have just caught an unexpected scheduling break. In Week 4, the Steelers are set to face the Minnesota Vikings in a marquee international showdown in Dublin, Ireland. And now, it’s looking increasingly likely that the Vikings will be without their No. 2 receiver — 2023 first-round pick Jordan Addison.
Addison, who racked up 875 yards and 9 touchdowns as a rookie, was arrested in a DUI incident last year after being found asleep at the wheel at LAX. While he avoided trial by agreeing to a plea deal for a lesser charge (known as a “wet reckless”), the NFL’s standard discipline policy still points toward a three-game suspension — which would cover Weeks 1 through 3. That would mean Addison’s first game back could be Week 4… overseas… against a new Steelers secondary headlined by Joey Porter Jr., Donte Jackson, and possibly Jalen Ramsey.
And that’s if he plays at all. The NFL could still extend the suspension to four games depending on internal discipline decisions. If Addison does miss Week 4, it would leave the Vikings dangerously thin behind Justin Jefferson. Minnesota would be forced to rely on T.J. Hockenson, journeyman Jaylen Nailor, and rookie Ty Felton to challenge a Steelers defense that looks deeper and more physical than ever.
It’s a huge opportunity for Pittsburgh — especially with a brutal second-half schedule looming that includes the entire NFC North. The Vikings are considered a potential playoff team, and any edge helps. Without Addison, Minnesota’s offense loses its top deep threat, and rookie QB J.J. McCarthy will face extra pressure without one of his key weapons.
Addison’s off-field saga isn’t something to celebrate, but Steelers fans can breathe a sigh of relief that no one was harmed in the incident — and also recognize the potential on-field benefit. And with TJ Watt now locked in for the long haul, Pittsburgh looks primed to start the season strong — and maybe steal one in Dublin.
Steelers fans: buckle up. The 2025 season is shaping up to be a wild ride — and it’s starting early.