T.J. Watt has never been one to hold back his thoughts, and his latest reaction to Skylar Thompson’s one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers is making waves. When asked about the team’s decision to bring in the young quarterback, the Steelers’ defensive superstar gave a sharp eight-word assessment: “We need more than this to win games.” Watt’s response has stirred up conversation among fans and analysts alike, with many wondering if his words signal concern over the team’s direction heading into the 2025 season.

Skylar Thompson, a former Miami Dolphins quarterback, signed a one-year deal with the Steelers in what appears to be a depth move at the position. While Thompson has shown flashes of potential, he has yet to prove himself as a consistent starter in the NFL. With Mason Rudolph and Kenny Pickett also in the mix, the Steelers’ quarterback situation remains one of the biggest talking points of the offseason.

Watt’s comment, while blunt, reflects the mentality of a player who expects nothing less than excellence. As the heart and soul of Pittsburgh’s defense, Watt has carried the team through difficult stretches, and his frustration is understandable. The Steelers have struggled to find stability at quarterback since Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement, and a one-year contract for a relatively unproven signal-caller does little to inspire confidence that the team is ready to contend for a championship.

Some fans believe Watt’s statement is a challenge to Thompson, a way to motivate him to prove himself on the field. Others see it as a message to the front office, urging them to make a more aggressive move at quarterback before the season begins. Either way, it’s clear that expectations in Pittsburgh remain sky-high, and anything short of a deep playoff run will be considered a disappointment.

Thompson, for his part, has yet to respond publicly to Watt’s remarks, but if he hopes to earn the respect of his new teammates, he’ll need to let his play do the talking. The Steelers have always been built on toughness and resilience, and if Thompson can rise to the occasion, he may just turn skeptics into believers. But as Watt’s words suggest, simply being on the roster won’t be enough—he’ll have to prove that he can help the Steelers win when it matters most.