Steelers give defensive star contract extension as T.J. Watt waits

T.J. Watt is waiting.

In the meantime, the Pittsburgh Steelers chose to hand out a contract extension to a different one of their reliable defensive players.

On Monday, NFL Network reported that safety DeShon Elliott was getting a two-year, $12.5 million extension (including $9.21 million guaranteed).

It's a key secondary deal for the Steelers to complete while the Watt possibility hangs in the balance.

Elliott started 14 games for the Steelers in 2024. It was his first year in Pittsburgh, and he totaled a career-high 108 tackles to go with six passes defensed and three fumble recoveries.

He began his NFL career as a sixth-round pick of Baltimore and spent three seasons with the Ravens. Since then, it's been a year apiece with the Lions, Dolphins and Steelers.

Now, Elliott has some stability.

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Elliott should slot in as the starting strong safety again this season for the Steelers alongside free safety star Minkah Fitzpatrick.

Pittsburgh fans now await news of a bigger contract extension on the defensive side, but it's not clear that Watt and the Steelers are particularly close on the deal.

For their defense to be at its best, the Steelers will need a happy, healthy and committed Watt. So hopefully there's some more money in the coffers to give to the face of their franchise.

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