T.J. Watt is entering the final year of his contract. The Steelers’ franchise face. A defensive cornerstone. A one-helmet guy.

But with every passing week, it’s becoming harder to ignore one simple fact: Pittsburgh is running out of time.

On Monday, GM Omar Khan finally addressed the growing contract buzz, telling reporters he’s “hopeful” Watt will retire a Steeler.

It was a nice sentiment — but hardly the commitment fans were hoping for.

Meanwhile, the edge rusher market has exploded. Myles Garrett just reset the bar. Maxx Crosby re-signed. And now, Micah Parsons looms, likely to surpass them all. Every day Pittsburgh waits, Watt’s price tag climbs.

The organization’s usual extension window ends in August as part of their negotiation policy. Since 1994 they’ve refused to handle contract decisions midseason. But for a player of Watt’s magnitude — one who’s never won a playoff game and isn’t getting younger — that strategy might be outdated.

Especially when whispers of a possible trade refuse to fully disappear.

Yes, Watt wants to stay. Yes, Pittsburgh values him. But emotion doesn’t stop leverage, and the Steelers could’ve saved millions by moving earlier.

Watt’s been loyal, productive and impactful beyond the stat sheet. But “hope” won’t keep him in Pittsburgh.

Action will.

And with every market-setting deal that drops, the urgency to get something done before Parsons resets the position grows louder. Time’s ticking — and the Steelers know it.