PITTSBURGH — T.J. Watt, a standout edge rusher for the Steelers, has opted not to report for the first day of minicamp as he seeks a contract extension. This decision underscores the unresolved issues surrounding his current contract, which is set to expire after the upcoming season.
Watt previously skipped all six organized team activities, which are optional, but by missing the mandatory minicamp practices, he risks incurring fines, thereby intensifying what resembles a holdout situation. The Steelers’ coaching staff remains hopeful that he will eventually return, with defensive coordinator Teryl Austin emphasizing the opportunity it presents for younger players to gain experience in practice.
The current standoff could echo Watt’s previous negotiations. In the summer of 2021, he engaged in a “hold-in” strategy during training camp, opting to train separately while the team conducted drills. The uncertainty lingered into preseason games before a contract agreement was finally reached just before the start of the season. Watt signed a lucrative four-year extension worth $112 million, which at the time established him as the highest-paid defensive player in the league.
Watt’s return on investment for the Steelers has been significant. In his first season under the new contract, he led the NFL with 22.5 sacks, tying a long-standing single-season record. He also captured the Defensive Player of the Year award that season. Last year, despite a setback due to injuries that limited him to just 10 games, he bounced back in 2023 with a league-leading 19 sacks and was among the leaders for forced fumbles.
However, negotiating a new contract for Watt may prove challenging, particularly in light of recent market shifts. The Cleveland Browns set a new precedent in the division by signing Myles Garrett to a four-year contract extension worth $160 million, which includes a staggering $123.5 million in guaranteed money. With Watt and Garrett entering the NFL in the same year and often compared in terms of performance, Garrett’s deal serves as a benchmark for negotiations.
Watt’s situation is further complicated by the broader trend of rising salaries for edge rushers. The market has shifted dramatically, with top defensive players in this category receiving substantial contracts. Just behind Garrett, Danielle Hunter and Maxx Crosby have also secured significant deals, highlighting the financial landscape in which Watt finds himself negotiating.
While both the Steelers organization and Watt have expressed mutual interest in extending his tenure with the team, the stakes are high. Watt has publicly stated his desire to finish his career in Pittsburgh, expressing confidence in head coach Mike Tomlin and the team’s direction. Meanwhile, Steelers general manager Omar Khan has echoed these sentiments, referring to Watt as a “legacy guy” and hoping he can emulate the long careers of former Steelers legends.
As negotiations unfold and Watt’s future remains uncertain, both fans and analysts will be keeping a close eye on this developing story, which could have serious implications for the Steelers’ defense and their championship aspirations in the years to come.
