Pittsburgh staple ‘Primanti Bros’ offers to change name if JJ Watt signs with Steelers

The city of Pittsburgh is pulling out all the stops for JJ Watt.

Watt was released by the Houston Texans on Friday after a decade with the team. Five of those seasons were All-Pro campaigns, though his production tailed off in 2019 and 2020 due to injuries and, perhaps, father time.

Still, in the right system there’s very little doubt Watt can produce at a high level. Given their history with elite pass rushers, the Steelers immediately come to mind as a potential free agent destination. Add in that Watt’s brothers TJ and Derek are both employed by the Rooney family, and it appears the Steelers might be a potential match should they get their finances in order.

What else does Pittsburgh have to offer Watt? How about a sandwich chain?

Primanti Bros is the most famous sandwich shop in Pittsburgh and a must-visit for tourists and everyday citizens alike. It’s glorious, and the fry-to-sandwich ratio is just perfect. This is not to mention egg and cole slaw additions, which make the restaurant a cultural icon.

Nonetheless, the Primanti’s chain is willing go all-out to get the third Watt brother donning black and gold next season.

Brothers Derek and TJ might have some say here, especially the latter. TJ Watt is a rapidly-emerging star who arguably was robbed of a Defensive Player of the Year caliber campaign, as the Wisconsin product registered his third straight season with 13-plus sacks. If anyone knows what rushing the passer is like in Keith Butler’s 3-4 scheme, it’s JJ’s younger brother.

The Steelers will have to take part in some salary cap gymnastics to bring in JJ Watt. Ideally, that’ll be aided by veteran quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who will either retire or rework his albatross contract with the Rooney family.

The on-field fit is perfect for Watt, and the sandwiches are worth a one-year deal on a discount. Just trust me on this one.