The Sterling Gold Curtain: Are the Steelers Setting a Bad Precedent?
Story by Yinzer Crazy Contributor Luke Ranalli
I have an unpopular opinion, which is always a fun way to start a story. But last offseason, when I saw TJ Watt's contract, my jaw hit the floor. $112 mil over 4 years with $80 mil guaranteed is a lot for a QB, let alone a LB. This deal made Watt the highest-paid defensive player in the NFL, just overtaking Joey Bosa's deal of $135 mil over five years the offseason before. Now you might be thinking to yourself "sure, he was paid a lot, but look at the results, he was worth it". And you would not be wrong. He's on pace to be one of, if not the best Steelers of all-time. The dude had 22.5 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, and 3 fumble recoveries just last season. I changed thoughts on the contract, and thought Watt was worth every penny.
So what's the problem you ask? I'm getting to it ok... relax.
There is word going around that the Steelers are getting ready to make Minkah Fitzpatrick the highest-paid safety in the NFL, and I am not here for it. Don't get me wrong I love Minkah, I think he is a top ten safety in the league. I would hate to see him go, but how much are the Steelers willing to shell out for another top-tier defensive player, when the offense is still sorely lacking, and players like WR Diontae Johnson are going to command a ton of cash?
Watt worked out, and completely changes the outcome of games. He is arguably the reason the Steelers made it to the playoffs last season. Hell, he was the only reason I had the slightest bit of hope in the playoff game against the Chiefs, but is Watt the only exception to be made when paying such a high price for a defensive player?
Now I know this is a little contradictory to my article last week, when I suggested that Mitch Trubisky could turn things around with a new offensive coordinator, new team, and new weapons. But at just $14 mil and some change over two years, that puts Mitch at the low end of NFL quarterback salaries. Compare that to Deshaun Watson, who just signed for $230 mil over a five-year deal. Seems like it's either the bargain of the century, or the Steelers are really going to know the meaning of "you get what you pay for."
Let's not forget that the Steelers really haven't paid top dollar for a top wide receiver in a few years either. The offense has been struggling to put points on the board for some time now, and they"ve been riding an aging quarterback to work in an ever-changing offense. Now that the brass can't make the excuse at quarterback anymore, where is the money needed to rebuild this offense?
I know the season hasn't even started, and I know the draft hasn't occurred. The Steelers could also have some more acquisitions during the offseason -- but will it matter? I feel like the offense is the adopted child that should feel lucky just to have a roof over their head and three meals a day. Sure, Najee Harris is a MONSTER, but you can't expect to beat the wheels off your workhorse RB for multiple seasons without needing to change a tire or two.
So what I'm ultimately getting at here is, when are the Steelers going to spend the big bucks on the offense again? Are they just going to spend on the defense year in and year out and expect to win games, especially when most of the league focuses on being that offensive juggernaut?
Big Ben took a reduction in salary last year to try and acquire the tools needed to make a playoff run, and in hindsight, it was probably the wrong decision. If the team keeps focusing on the defense and not the offense, will TJ Watt ever play in a Superbowl? I hate to say that anyone's career would be wasted in the Steel City, but if we don't see a championship for this city again soon, was it worth it?
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