T.J. Watt Skips Minicamp: What This Means for the Steelers Season

PITTSBURGH — T.J. Watt, the standout edge rusher for the Steelers, is making headlines. He’s in the final year of his contract and is pushing for an extension. His absence from the first day of minicamp on Tuesday adds more weight to the talks around his future.

Watt skipped the team’s optional offseason activities recently. But his no-show at mandatory practices raises concerns. He risks a fine, leading many to see this as a “holdout.”

Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin remains optimistic. “We’ll keep moving ahead,” he said. “I expect he’ll be back. The younger players will gain valuable experience in his absence.”

This situation feels familiar. In 2021, Watt faced a similar challenge as he entered the last year of his contract. He opted for a “hold-in,” staying on the sidelines during training camp while working separately. Negotiations dragged on but eventually led to a four-year extension worth $112 million, making him the highest-paid defender at that time. He backed the investment by leading the league with 22.5 sacks that season.

After struggling with injuries in 2022, Watt bounced back in 2023, leading the league again, this time with 19 sacks. His strong performance reinforces the Steelers’ investment.

Negotiating another extension might not be straightforward. The landscape has changed since Watt’s last contract. Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns reset expectations with a blockbuster four-year, $160 million deal, making him the highest-paid defender currently. Watt, who entered the NFL alongside Garrett, is likely looking for a similar or better deal.

The paycheck for edge rushers has been rising significantly as the salary cap grows. Notably, players like Danielle Hunter and Maxx Crosby command over $35 million annually. Even wide receiver DK Metcalf recently signed an impressive four-year, $132 million deal.

Both Watt and the Steelers want a long-term relationship. After the 2023 season, he expressed loyalty towards Coach Mike Tomlin, saying he only wants to play in Pittsburgh. General Manager Omar Khan echoed this sentiment, highlighting Watt as a legacy player for the franchise.

The Steelers and their superstar both want this to work out. As negotiations unfold, keeping an eye on these trends and previous contracts will be critical for both sides.

For a deeper dive into player contracts and market trends, you can check out insights from the NFL Players’ Association.

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Pittsburgh Steelers, NFL