WATT'S LEGACY = NOT WHAT YOU THINK

Here's an excerpt from my TribLive.com column about whether or not to extend T.J. Watt's contract at his desired rate of $40m per year.

Watt isn’t a Steelers legend. He’s a stats guy. Those stats will get Watt into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. But they don’t make him Joe Greene or Troy Polamalu. Those guys have rings.

To read more, click HERE.

People ask why I hate Watt. I don't.

But Watt shouldn't get more money when his age (30) and last season's performance dictate that he's going to do less. Paying him $40m per year to satisfy his vanity as he goes into decline is ludicrous.

As mentioned, he's not a true Steelers legend. You need a ring to be that.

He's not even Top Five all-time for the Steelers on the defensive side of the ball.

My Top Five are:

1. Joe Greene
2. Mel Blount
3. Jack Ham
4. Troy Polamalu
5. Jack Lambert

The order of those five can be argued. (Except Greene at No. 1.) That all five had better careers than Watt is beyond debate.

I'd argue that Rod Woodson, James Harrison and James Farrior also check in ahead of Watt.

Another quirk in the Watt discussion is the notion that he should be a "one-helmet" guy. A lot of the same local media types promulgating that romanticism scream that Sidney Crosby should be traded someplace where he can compete for Stanley Cups because "HE DESERVES BETTER!"

Watt deserves better. Watt should be traded. That would benefit him and the Steelers. The Steelers won't win significantly during Watt's remaining tenure.

Crosby is just fine in Pittsburgh with his three rings.

The Steelers control the Watt situation if they want to.

Make Watt play out the final year of his deal. If he "holds in," wait for him to buckle. He will. He won't pass up the $21 million he's due this coming season.

If Watt plays well, franchise him in 2026. Going year-by-year is the smart way to deal with an aging player who is still good.

Watt won't like it. So what?

His brother J.J. will be apoplectic on TV. So what?

But this is all moot. The Steelers will cave.