Kaboly says Steelers Listening to trade offers for Watt

[Djfan]

I can’t speak for agree with all you say, but must add in………..

The players don’t care as much about winning as we the fans do.

For them, it is all about the money. TJ will try to extract as much as possible as I don’t blame him one bit. His market value is sky high and he is under contract this coming season. He could hold out until week ten then show and it counts as a season. The team could Franchise him next season which I don’t think either side wants.

If it gets to difficult, the Steelers will trade bait him for as much as possible, but like everything else with this organization they will attempt that trade to late. Most teams are set.



Salute the nation

I am leaning towards you being right here. It's sad that the fans are into it more than some players. I know it's true for many, but TJ doesn't seem like that guy to me. I may well be wrong.

Football is not what it was back in the day, and that sucks.

 

[warriors42]

I am leaning towards you being right here. It's sad that the fans are into it more than some players. I know it's true for many, but TJ doesn't seem like that guy to me. I may well be wrong.

Football is not what it was back in the day, and that sucks.

I blame free agency. Rothman told everyone that removing the old plan B and going to what we have today would be the "destruction" of the NFL as they had known it before 1993. I think he was right it has gone down hill in more ways than one since then

 

[SteelerSask2]

Imo, there isn't a player on that team that would be untouchable. I'm stating a reason why they are not untouchable to me. They do not win. I'm not looking at it that deep. I can't answer why the coach who doesn't win is still coaching. He shouldn't be.

IMO with maybe the exception of 2017 against Jax it wouldn't matter how he played. If he played like his usual all pro self or not they are getting their dicks knocked off anyhow. They literally got killed in all those games with last year and Cleveland actually flattering them. I think the better question is why would Watt want to take another contract?

 

[topseed]

The salaries that these guys are demanding just boggle my mind. TJ's made about 30 million dollars in each of the last two years. He's scheduled to make another $30.4 mill in 2025. He's earned over $110,000,000 in his career already. His brother made $130 million.

I understand that this is America, and capitalism is king, but how much more money does this guy and his family really need at this point?

 

[bermudasteel]

I blame free agency. Rothman told everyone that removing the old plan B and going to what we have today would be the "destruction" of the NFL as they had known it before 1993. I think he was right it has gone down hill in more ways than one since then

Add fantasy football to this list.

FF has ruined the game we grew up watching. Those that support are not fans of "a team" they are "fans of players" who compile a team of these players to see who does the best each week. Stupid

Actual NFL players support it and I'd go as far to say that some even affect the outcome of games...

 

[diver]

IMO with maybe the exception of 2017 against Jax it wouldn't matter how he played. If he played like his usual all pro self or not they are getting their dicks knocked off anyhow. They literally got killed in all those games with last year and Cleveland actually flattering them. I think the better question is why would Watt want to take another contract?

I've become a big Phillies fan with this latest team they have put together. I have been a pretty passionate Steeler fan since I was a kid, but other sports were more casual, but as I age, I'm really enjoying baseball more and more. The point with that whole little story is this Phillies team and players, while they do win playoff series, just reminds me of the Steelers. Great players. Harper, Schwarber etc., good guys, but man, when they need a clutch hit, they struggle.

We don't know the outcome of those games if he played at his usual all pro level. Let's he bursts around the corner, hits the qb, causes a fumble early in any of those games, we've all watched enough football to know that changes the complexion of games.

The thing is, I mostly agree with you. Watt is a great player. The scheme stinks. But Watt may have a hand in that by not wanting to move around. Be fun to see him 1 on 1 with a guard. I'mn really looking at it more as a team thing, and as a team, the players they have don't make enough plays in big spots.

 

[Steelr4evr]

IMO with maybe the exception of 2017 against Jax it wouldn't matter how he played. If he played like his usual all pro self or not they are getting their dicks knocked off anyhow. They literally got killed in all those games with last year and Cleveland actually flattering them. I think the better question is why would Watt want to take another contract?

 

[WindyCitySteel]

I blame free agency. Rothman told everyone that removing the old plan B and going to what we have today would be the "destruction" of the NFL as they had known it before 1993. I think he was right it has gone down hill in more ways than one since then

It’s mid-July and you’re posting on an NFL message board (one of thousands) that didn’t exist in 1993, talking about the destruction of...

(*checks notes*)

…the NFL.

The league has never been so profitable and popular, there are literally TV and radio networks that cover the league 24x7x365, the NFL Draft — literally a job fair — consumes the entire sports world at a time when baseball season is starting and the NBA and NHL playoffs are happening. When I was a kid in the 70’s, I read about the draft in the newspaper the next day.

Where do I go to destroy my business like this?

 

[Steelr4evr]

I blame free agency. Rothman told everyone that removing the old plan B and going to what we have today would be the "destruction" of the NFL as they had known it before 1993. I think he was right it has gone down hill in more ways than one since then

It's just one big greed machine now. They can't even be happy with what they're making in the USA. They have to push that **** overseas.
Then they somehow need these massive overpriced stadiums that taxpayers foot a large chunk of the bill for. Then to top that off you get gouged for tickets and mind boggling concession prices.

Then their final **** you to the fans is the prices to actually go see your team play in the superbowl if they make it. As if they didn't pay enough already. The whole thing is horseshit.


The game itself is ruined beyond repair. It's a joke.

 

[SteelerSask2]

I've become a big Phillies fan with this latest team they have put together. I have been a pretty passionate Steeler fan since I was a kid, but other sports were more casual, but as I age, I'm really enjoying baseball more and more. The point with that whole little story is this Phillies team and players, while they do win playoff series, just reminds me of the Steelers. Great players. Harper, Schwarber etc., good guys, but man, when they need a clutch hit, they struggle.

We don't know the outcome of those games if he played at his usual all pro level. Let's he bursts around the corner, hits the qb, causes a fumble early in any of those games, we've all watched enough football to know that changes the complexion of games.

The thing is, I mostly agree with you. Watt is a great player. The scheme stinks. But Watt may have a hand in that by not wanting to move around. Be fun to see him 1 on 1 with a guard. I'mn really looking at it more as a team thing, and as a team, the players they have don't make enough plays in big spots.

I think unless you have the better QB in the game you dont have much of a chance in a playoff game. I don't think Prime Ben and Prime Watt happened. I think Watt's greatness has covered a lot of post Great Ben stink.

 

[SteelerSask2]

And I'll say it again. I don't mind if they trade him if they cannot come to a reasonable number. You cannot pay for services you already received. And he was well paid for those services. However, going forward especially beyond this season he will not be the best defender in the league. He won't. Problem is the Stains caved to Garrett and Watt knows he is worth at least that.
But I will never diminish what TJ Watt has done for the pay he has received. Ever. HOF first ballot.

 

[Drink IRON City]

Add fantasy football to this list.

FF has ruined the game we grew up watching. Those that support are not fans of "a team" they are "fans of players" who compile a team of these players to see who does the best each week. Stupid

Actual NFL players support it and I'd go as far to say that some even affect the outcome of games...

You beat me to it.

I was going to say fantasy football was the beginning of the end. Shortly after you have the Cheatriots exapade.

FAgency gave to much to the rich teams, then the salary cap narrowed the gap.

Fantasy F led to changing the rules in helping the FF stats, not the game.

The game was designed to be three facets of near equal importance. The FF changed the weight to be morphed into what today's value of
offense 55%
Defense 40%
ST 5%
A lot of this change was done in the name of “Safety” but only a fool would believe that.

The cheatriots syndrome showed that openly, the commissioner can do what ever the hella he wants. He showed his vendetta against the ONLY team who didn’t vote for the CBA of the time. The main reason was it gave the commissioner to much power and proved very valid as that power was released on those very Steelers players.

The open favoritism of certain players for so long made it common occurrence, that has followed to today's game……. Patric Mahomes is a current example. Add in the replay / NY aspect of the game and you get my drift. Many teams have been “Jacked over” due to this easy manipulation (this manipulation originated with the TV time out guy by manipulation key times for time outs to help favored team. This goes way back)

The game has changed and I feel not for the better, the integrity is NOT there and it’s all about the $$$$cha-ching$$$$ regardless of the fan. Hella, hardly the common fan can afford to go to a game without planned saving up or budget manipulation of $$$. The out of town fan has even a less chance of attending. True, Steelers fans travel well, but it is a financial stake to do so.

GREED MACHINE sums up the NFL like no other description.




Salute the nation

 

[Drink IRON City]

The salaries that these guys are demanding just boggle my mind. TJ's made about 30 million dollars in each of the last two years. He's scheduled to make another $30.4 mill in 2025. He's earned over $110,000,000 in his career already. His brother made $130 million.

I understand that this is America, and capitalism is king, but how much more money does this guy and his family really need at this point?

I hear what you are saying, but must also use myself as an example……

I worked my entire life to be the best I can be at my trade, I charge appropriately to justify that fact. There is no way I’m giving away my job value because ………………………

These players build a lifetime to get there, they want the “mo-money” payback. I can’t blame them.

TJ can only decide when he has enough money for his efforts. At that time I’d hope he retires.

Just my $1.58 cents .




Salute the nation

 

[BLITZ]

Add fantasy football to this list.

FF has ruined the game we grew up watching. Those that support are not fans of "a team" they are "fans of players" who compile a team of these players to see who does the best each week. Stupid

Actual NFL players support it and I'd go as far to say that some even affect the outcome of games...

I agree it changed the game. but it also helped introduce the NFL to millions more fans. the NFL is more popular today because of FF.

 

[madinsomniac]

Absolutely love TJ Watt... I also loved Ben, and I would have traded Ben late in his career for the right price... I dont get the attachment to the concept of one jersey guys...

TJ should have 3-4 great seasons left...he is a high end edge rusher... most are great until 34 or 35... some last to 37 or 38 still churning out double digit sack numbers...

However if you are looking at total depth, OLB is by far the deepest position. If you trade Watt, you open up a starting spot for Herbig ....

I dont think you even consider anything less that an overpayment though.. 31 is still more than viable for a star passrusher

 

[TDX27]

If the Steelers do trade him, the bare minimum they should consider is a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd round pick, and preferably in the same draft. Personally, I wouldn't consider a trade unless it's for 2 1st round picks.

 

[Djfan]

You beat me to it.

I was going to say fantasy football was the beginning of the end. Shortly after you have the Cheatriots exapade.

FAgency gave to much to the rich teams, then the salary cap narrowed the gap.

Fantasy F led to changing the rules in helping the FF stats, not the game.

The game was designed to be three facets of near equal importance. The FF changed the weight to be morphed into what today's value of
offense 55%
Defense 40%
ST 5%
A lot of this change was done in the name of “Safety” but only a fool would believe that.

The cheatriots syndrome showed that openly, the commissioner can do what ever the hella he wants. He showed his vendetta against the ONLY team who didn’t vote for the CBA of the time. The main reason was it gave the commissioner to much power and proved very valid as that power was released on those very Steelers players.

The open favoritism of certain players for so long made it common occurrence, that has followed to today's game……. Patric Mahomes is a current example. Add in the replay / NY aspect of the game and you get my drift. Many teams have been “Jacked over” due to this easy manipulation (this manipulation originated with the TV time out guy by manipulation key times for time outs to help favored team. This goes way back)

The game has changed and I feel not for the better, the integrity is NOT there and it’s all about the $$$$cha-ching$$$$ regardless of the fan. Hella, hardly the common fan can afford to go to a game without planned saving up or budget manipulation of $$$. The out of town fan has even a less chance of attending. True, Steelers fans travel well, but it is a financial stake to do so.

GREED MACHINE sums up the NFL like no other description.




Salute the nation

Right. The league wants income that is secured. The fans want great football. They are simply different focuses and will not be reconciled. Even as long-term fans leave the sport, the league knows it is brining in new fans at a faster rate, so they don't care.

It used to be that college football was not plagued by this issue, and offered a great alternative to the fan of the game. No longer. Now we look to the UFL, or just diminish the passion, focusing on other things. For us, it's hockey and outdoors activities.

86 days until the NHL season starts. I can wait.

 

[warriors42]

It’s mid-July and you’re posting on an NFL message board (one of thousands) that didn’t exist in 1993, talking about the destruction of...

(*checks notes*)

…the NFL.

The league has never been so profitable and popular, there are literally TV and radio networks that cover the league 24x7x365, the NFL Draft — literally a job fair — consumes the entire sports world at a time when baseball season is starting and the NBA and NHL playoffs are happening. When I was a kid in the 70’s, I read about the draft in the newspaper the next day.

Where do I go to destroy my business like this?

I think you may have misunderstood the point of my post. Rothman didn't say it would destroy the NFL he said it would destroy it as we knew it and he was right. Berm hit the nail on the head, the NFL is more popular today because of FF. how many empty seats are there in every stadium every week now?

Sunday use to be an all day event for me, never missed a Monday night game either, now I watch the steelers and that's it. you are basing the success of the league on money, this is not the football I grew up playing and watching.

Do you really think that the owners or even the NFLPA actually give two ***** about the players or the fans. NO they care about the money. Why do you think there is a flag every time a QB gets touched. (other than Ben), because you have to protect the money, why are there not more holding calls for your superstar pass rusher's, because you got to protect the money.

Why can't players hit like they use to, because you have to protect the money. I miss the big hit highlights. I miss the time when players actually cared about winning. I miss the days when a player couldn't force a team to trade them because they didn't get their way.

Are things better financially for the NFL yes, are they better for the fans, I don't think so. how many streaming services do you have to have now to ensure you can see your team if you live outside the market?

 

[Drink IRON City]

Greed Machine








Salute the nation

 

[tapeANaspirin2it]

This is Watt’s last real contract. His starting point has to be Miles Garrett’s deal + a bit more. The Steelers really can’t dispute that’s his market value. The Steelers have the cap space. They need to decide if Watt will still be a top edge rusher 3 years from now. He’s 30 and will turn 31 during the season.

If they give him a 5 year deal, they need him to be one of the top edge rushers for at least 4 of those years.

There was a similar risk with Cam Heyward. The difference is that Cam already had an old man game, meaning his game wasn’t about explosive athleticism, it was about being country strong. Cam can still bring that for year, just like Calais Campbell who is still around.

Unfortunately, Watt’s game with a mix of speed and high effort could drop off the table sooner. Cam can bring value as a run stopper and situational rusher as a DT or even NT. Just being a big strong guy up the middle has value. An edge rusher needs to do more than just hold his own, he needs to produce sacks and pressures at a high rate.

I think Watt is worth the risk. But you absolutely must listen to offers. If somebody offers you a crazy deal, you have to take it.

No matter how you look at it, the highest priority of the Steelers is getting their new, young, franchise QB. The 26 draft appears to be a great QB draft. They already have a bunch of 3rd rounders to move up some. If they can add an extra 1st plus some others, then they have ammo to move up into the top 5 not just to draft a guy, but THE guy. Their top QB on the board.

Sign Watt, but if somebody offers a 1st rounder plus other picks and players, I think you have to take it.

 

[fedderone]

The salaries that these guys are demanding just boggle my mind. TJ's made about 30 million dollars in each of the last two years. He's scheduled to make another $30.4 mill in 2025. He's earned over $110,000,000 in his career already. His brother made $130 million.

I understand that this is America, and capitalism is king, but how much more money does this guy and his family really need at this point?

The finger needs to be pointed squarely at all of us for that.
Movie stars, TV stars, and athletes make insanely retarded money because WE feed the beasts.
We buy tickets, clothing, merchandise, Sunday Ticket, tune into the airwaves Thursday, Sunday, and Monday, etc.
It's supply and demand.
It's on all of us to tune out and not keep pumping money into the beast.

 

[SteelerFan448]

The salaries that these guys are demanding just boggle my mind. TJ's made about 30 million dollars in each of the last two years. He's scheduled to make another $30.4 mill in 2025. He's earned over $110,000,000 in his career already. His brother made $130 million.

I understand that this is America, and capitalism is king, but how much more money does this guy and his family really need at this point?

TJ's brother has been a mouthpiece for him this offseason and it has been strictly about the money. It seems like there's some irritation on Watt's side there wasn't a deal done early but I can't imagine the Steelers like this side of a public negotiation given the unique circumstance.

 

[SteelerFan448]

Absolutely love TJ Watt... I also loved Ben, and I would have traded Ben late in his career for the right price... I dont get the attachment to the concept of one jersey guys...

Given where the Steelers have been after Ben, I'm glad they didn't trade him. I enjoyed every single moment of his career in the black and gold and that final game was one of the coolest moments in sports I've ever experienced (excluding playoff games/championships). I'm also the complete opposite because I love one jersey guys.

 

[Avoid_Lloyd]

If you are going to trade this player its because you know for a fact the incompetent coaching staff will not have a true contender while he is a viable player. He's an edge player. I remember him scoring one if the only TDs in Ben's last playoff against the Chiefs. Other coaches can strategize. He's an edge player. He can be eliminated with enough commitment. The problem is the useless defensive coaches cannot exploit the commitment.
I nominate Diver for galactically dumbest post of 2025. Any seconds?

The main premise of your post is dead on. Watt has been plenty good enough (up until last season) to do his part to make this team a contender, the organization around him has let him down. Edge rushers don’t overcome bad coaching on their own to compete for championships.

In his prime, which has probably passed now, Watt took over games and bailed out bad coaching and schemes vs mid/low teams in the regular season , but he can’t do it alone vs the great teams-take his strip, sack, score in the playoffs-great play that’s an afterthought to a blowout loss.

I think it’s pretty clear this team isn’t winning a Super Bowl or seriously competing for one within the back end of Watts best years. He wasn’t a factor late last year for sure-tough to say if it’s an injury or age

Getting left on the field way too long all season due to terrible offensive and defensive scheming doesn’t help a 30 year edge rusher late in the season that’s for sure

 

[WindyCitySteel]

I think you may have misunderstood the point of my post. Rothman didn't say it would destroy the NFL he said it would destroy it as we knew it and he was right. Berm hit the nail on the head, the NFL is more popular today because of FF. how many empty seats are there in every stadium every week now?

Sunday use to be an all day event for me, never missed a Monday night game either, now I watch the steelers and that's it. you are basing the success of the league on money, this is not the football I grew up playing and watching.

Do you really think that the owners or even the NFLPA actually give two ***** about the players or the fans. NO they care about the money. Why do you think there is a flag every time a QB gets touched. (other than Ben), because you have to protect the money, why are there not more holding calls for your superstar pass rusher's, because you got to protect the money.

Why can't players hit like they use to, because you have to protect the money. I miss the big hit highlights. I miss the time when players actually cared about winning. I miss the days when a player couldn't force a team to trade them because they didn't get their way.

Are things better financially for the NFL yes, are they better for the fans, I don't think so. how many streaming services do you have to have now to ensure you can see your team if you live outside the market?

All sports change, movies change, music changes…everyone thinks life was perfect when they were 13 years old, but back then their parents were decrying change and pining for The Good Old Days. In 30 years, the 13-year olds of todays will be pining for today’s NFL.