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Between now and May 3, NFL teams have to make decisions about which of their 2017 first-round picks deserve to pick up their fifth-year option on their contracts. For the Pittsburgh Steelers, this means a decision will have to be made about outside linebacker T.J. Watt.
Using the fifth-year option on Watt is a no-brainer. In just three seasons, Watt has developed into not only one of the most ferocious pass rushers in the league but one of the best all-around defenders in the NFL.
When Pittsburgh does use the option on Watt, it will mean his 2021 salary will be in the $10 million range, which is a massive raise over the $1.7 million base he will get in 2020.
Pittsburgh has been studious with the fifth-year option in recent years. Most of the team’s first-round picks going back to 2011. The only picks Pittsburgh has chosen not to five the fifth-year option were cornerback Artie Burns and linebacker Jarvis Jones.
The Steelers paid outside linebacker Bud Dupree’s fifth-year option in 2019 and is now paying him on the franchise tag before he likely leaves for free agency. There’s no way the Steelers can afford to let Watt leave under any circumstances.
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