Ben Roethlisberger sends message to Steelers on T.J. Watt deal

Ben Roethlisberger wants the Pittsburgh Steelers to pay defensive end T.J. Watt his money.

A big reason behind Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger taking a pay cut this offseason was so that the team he plays for could pay superstar defensive end T.J. Watt what he is worth on a new contract.

Roethlisberger may be in the twilight of his illustrious career, but he knows he is not winning a third Super Bowl as the Steelers quarterback if he does not have a happy and handsomely paid Watt on his team. Watt is currently holding out with the Steelers, and it remains to be seen if the three-time Pro Bowler and the two-time First-Team All-Pro will even play for them this Sunday.

Pittsburgh faces the AFC-contending Buffalo Bills on Sunday afternoon in Orchard Park Week 1.

T.J. Watt holdout: Ben Roethlisberger comes to defense on Steelers teammate

Even if Watt is still somewhat in the shadow of his future Pro Football Hall of Fame older brother J.J., he is worth every penny the Steelers or somebody is willing to pay him. The youngest Watt brother has had double-digit sacks each of the last three seasons. He led the league last year with 15 sacks and 23 tackles for loss in 15 games. Watt has amassed 49.5 sacks in four NFL seasons.

What this really comes down to is the Steelers’ championship window is closing. They missed a golden opportunity a season ago after their best start in franchise history. With Roethlisberger not getting any younger and no succession plan in place under center, the Steelers need to go for broke and see if they can capture Lombardi Trophy No. 7 as an organization before Big Ben retires.

Roethlisberger has a point in him taking a pay cut with the hopes the Steelers would go pay Watt.