J.J. inked a two-year deal with the Cardinals in 2021, and later that fall, T.J. signed his four-year, $112 million extension. Perhaps J.J.’s presence would have indeed lowered the Steelers’ offer to T.J. It’s also possible that Pittsburgh wasn’t willing to offer J.J. the same two-year $28 million deal the Cards made.
An interesting follow-up would be to ask T.J. how much money he would have given up for a chance to play with his brother.
During the interview, Watt underscored his decision to retire this offseason, noting he hasn’t been working out to play. With the elder Watt officially done, we won’t get to see J.J., T.J., and possibly Derek, share an NFL locker room.