PITTSBURGH — T.J. Watt, the celebrated edge rusher for the Pittsburgh Steelers, has made headlines by skipping the first day of mandatory minicamp, intensifying discussions surrounding his contract situation as he enters the final year of his previous deal.
Watt’s absence marks a departure from his participation in the voluntary organized team activities (OTAs) held earlier, underscoring the seriousness of his decision to hold out during mandatory practices, which could result in fines imposed by the Steelers.
Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin addressed the media, stating, “We are going to keep preparing and moving ahead.
We expect him back at some point. He’ll get caught up fast. He’ll be in great shape like he always is. I think it’s a great opportunity for young guys to get more reps and see what they can do on good-on-good competition.”
Watt’s current holdout mirrors his previous contract negotiations in 2021, where he opted for a ‘hold in’ during training camp. Rather than participating fully, he worked off to the side while the team participated in drills.
The unresolved tension lasted through the preseason and into the early weeks of the regular season until the team and Watt reached an agreement just before the opener.
At that time, he signed a four-year extension worth $112 million, making him the highest-paid defender in the NFL with $80 million guaranteed across the first three seasons, a notable deviation from the Steelers’ usual contract norms.
Watt’s impressive performance post-extension validated the team’s investment; he led the league with 22 1/2 sacks in that season, tying him with Michael Strahan for the official single-season sack record.
In addition to leading the league in sacks, Watt forced five fumbles and recovered three, culminating in him receiving the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year Award.
However, the past season saw injuries sideline Watt, limiting him to just 10 games with 5 1/2 sacks.
He rebounded in 2023 to again establish himself as a dominant force, leading the league with 19 sacks and logging 11 1/2 sacks while forcing six fumbles.
As negotiations continue for his next contract, the scenario could be just as intricate as the previous one, particularly with rising contracts within the division affecting expectations.
The Cleveland Browns recently set a high bar by signing Myles Garrett to a formidable four-year, $160 million extension, making him the league’s highest-paid defender with $40 million annually and an impressive $123.5 million in guarantees.
This substantial deal places added pressure on the Steelers as they evaluate Watt’s next contract, especially considering that Watt and Garrett entered the league in the same season and are frequently compared in discussions of elite edge rushers.
Moreover, the increase in the salary cap has significantly benefited edge rushers, with many of the highest-paid defensive players currently occupying that position.
Alongside Garrett, other edge rushers like the Texans’ Danielle Hunter and Raiders’ Maxx Crosby have secured contracts in the upper echelon, further complicating negotiations for veterans like Watt.
The recent signing of wide receiver DK Metcalf by the Steelers to a four-year, $132 million contract at $33 million annually is also pertinent, as it provides context for potential financial expectations as they negotiate with Watt.
However, both the team and Watt have expressed mutual interest in continuing their relationship.
Watt has publicly acknowledged his desire to remain in Pittsburgh, stating, “I don’t want to play for anyone other than Mike (Tomlin).”
Similarly, Steelers general manager Omar Khan has expressed optimism for Watt’s future within the organization, referring to him as a “legacy guy” akin to past Steelers icons like Hines Ward and Troy Polamalu.
Khan emphasized this sentiment at the NFL Scouting Combine, stating, “I was around Hines Ward and Troy Polamalu. Those guys spent their entire careers with us, and that’s a special thing. I’m hopeful and confident that T.J. will be one of those guys.”
As the holdout plays out, all eyes will be on the negotiations and whether the Steelers can ensure that Watt remains a pivotal part of the franchise’s future.
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