Mark Madden says T.J. Watt is delusional: “He’s not even worth $10 million.”

The Pittsburgh Steelers are facing a growing contract standoff with star edge rusher T.J. Watt — and local radio personality Mark Madden has made it clear whose side he's not on.

In a blistering opinion piece, Madden accused Watt of having an inflated sense of self-worth, stating bluntly: “T.J. Watt isn’t worth $40 million. He’s not even worth $10 million.”

The harsh commentary comes as Watt reportedly holds out of mandatory team activities while pushing for a massive extension that would make him the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history. While fans have been split — some backing Watt’s resume, others worried about locker room impact — Madden’s take leaves no gray area.

“T.J. Watt still thinks he’s Defensive Player of the Year,” Madden wrote. “But that version of him hasn’t shown up since 2021.”

The columnist highlighted Watt’s injury history and recent drop-off in sack production, suggesting that the Steelers would be better off trading him while he still holds name value.

“He’s living off reputation,” Madden added. “And the Steelers shouldn’t be held hostage by a player whose best football might be behind him.”

The comments have ignited a firestorm among Steelers fans online, with some agreeing that it’s time to move on, and others calling Madden’s take “disrespectful” to one of the franchise’s modern icons. Watt, who has yet to comment publicly on the backlash or his demands, remains a polarizing figure as contract talks drag on.

As negotiations unfold, the front office is under pressure to find a middle ground — or brace for a potentially ugly showdown that could reshape the Steelers' defensive identity. For now, Madden’s voice adds fuel to the debate — one that’s far from over.