Dulac hints we might trade Watt...not as crazy as I initially thought?

Something that is not being accounted for enough.

How do you think that players like Highsmith, Herbig, Sawyer, Benton, Harmon, Black, etc are able to come in and get better in the pros? Coaching is surely a part of it (despite all the statements here). Individual player motivation and work is also certainly a part.

But existing players on the roster teaching and passing on knowledge/techniques is a critical component of NFL success. You can read and watch former players speaking on it all the time.

Both Watt and Heyward are incredible tacticians and students of the game. Something else that numerous NFL folks have documented. Do not take my word for it. Fire up the Google machines and read for yourself.

Based on the region of the country I spend most of my time in....I see a TON of Big 10 football. Herbig was not the pass rusher he is now at Wisconsin. He wasn't. Multiple years of learning under Watt have had an impact. Benton was not this good either. I know he has his struggles and he still does...but he is a better football player overall than he was at UW.

Heyward and Watt have a role in that. And that is a big part of their contract value.

 

They aren't paying Watt that much money to mentor young guys. Hire better coaches and trade the guy.

 

Congratulations?

Almost every NFL player in the history of the salary cap era has underperformed their third contract. It is the nature of the beast.

I can think of one recent pass rusher that got given the boot at about 30. Joey Bosa. And the Chargers only quit him after 3 injury plagued seasons.

There is no NFL team that would have not extended Watt if he was on their roster. Especially when you do not have to shoehorn in a QB contract. Also...Watt's extension LOWERED his 2025 cap hit.

 

The greatest Pittsburgh Stealer