Pittsburgh, PA – June 24, 2025
A Pittsburgh Steelers legend offered a subtle warning to star edge rusher T.J. Watt about chasing a massive pay raise, igniting hope among fans. His cautionary words, shared on a podcast, underscore Watt’s critical contract holdout.
Le’Veon Bell, a former Pro Bowl running back, reflected on The Pivot Podcast. “My biggest mistake was leaving the Steelers for a weaker team with a higher salary,” he said. “It’s tough to fit in when you leave an elite team.”
Bell advised Watt to weigh his options: “Think twice before pushing for a raise, as a lower salary with a weaker team might lower your value.” His regret resonates as Watt demands over $40 million annually.
Watt, 30, with 11.5 sacks in 2024, is in the final year of a $112 million deal, per Pro-Football-Reference.com. His holdout strains Pittsburgh’s $31.88 million cap space, with trade rumors swirling, per Spotrac.
Bell’s 2019 exit for a $52.5 million Jets deal left a lasting lesson. His 2,302 rushing yards and Super Bowl XLIII ring with Pittsburgh lend weight to his counsel, per Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Coach Mike Tomlin valued Bell’s insight, saying, “Le’Veon understands our culture,” per Steelers.com. Watt, the 2021 Defensive Player of the Year, anchors the sixth-ranked defense, making his future pivotal, per NFL.com.
Bell’s Jets tenure, yielding just 789 yards in 2019, underscores his point. “Elite teams like Pittsburgh elevate you,” he said, urging Watt to prioritize legacy over money, per The Athletic.
As training camp nears, Bell’s advice shapes Watt’s decision. Will he stay with the Steelers’ storied franchise or chase a bigger paycheck? Steeler Nation awaits. Stay tuned to ESPN for updates.
