PITTSBURGH — Steelers star edge rusher T.J. Watt is making headlines as he enters the final year of his contract while seeking a lucrative extension. According to league sources, Watt has decided not to participate in the upcoming mandatory minicamp. This decision follows his absence from all six of the Steelers’ optional organized team activities (OTAs) over the past two weeks.
By opting out of mandatory practices, Watt risks incurring fines from the team, thereby escalating what can now be referred to as a “holdout.” This situation could lead to a prolonged negotiation period reminiscent of his previous contract disputes. Back in the summer of 2021, Watt faced a similar scenario as he entered the final year of his contract. During training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA, he chose to “hold in,” practicing separately while the Steelers engaged in team drills. This uncertainty persisted throughout the preseason and into Week 1 practices.
Ultimately, the two sides reached an agreement on the Thursday before the season opener, resulting in a four-year extension worth $112 million, averaging $28 million per year. This deal made Watt the highest-paid defender in the NFL at that time, guaranteeing him $80 million over the first three seasons—a significant concession from a franchise typically hesitant to guarantee money beyond the first year.
The Steelers quickly reaped the benefits of their investment. In the inaugural year of his new contract, Watt led the league with an impressive 22.5 sacks, tying the official single-season record previously set by Michael Strahan. Additionally, he forced five fumbles and recovered three, earning the coveted NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award.
After facing injuries that limited him to just 10 games and 5.5 sacks in 2022, Watt made a strong comeback in 2023 by leading the league with 19 sacks. Last season, he also logged 11.5 sacks and topped the league with six forced fumbles. As negotiations for another contract extension begin, it seems they may prove just as complex as they were in 2021.
The recent contract extension of Myles Garrett, Watt’s division rival, has further complicated matters. The Cleveland Browns signed Garrett to a four-year, $160 million extension, making him the highest-paid defender with an average of $40 million per year and $123.5 million guaranteed. This landmark deal resets the market for edge rushers, a position that has seen increasing financial rewards as the salary cap continues to rise.
Other top defensive players include Danielle Hunter of the Texans, who recently signed a one-year, $35.6 million extension, as well as the Raiders’ Maxx Crosby at $35.5 million annually, and Nick Bosa of the 49ers at $34 million. The Steelers have also shown their commitment to investing in top talent, having signed wide receiver DK Metcalf to a four-year, $132 million deal.
Both Watt and the Steelers organization have expressed a desire for the star player to continue his career in Pittsburgh. "I don’t want to play for anyone other than Mike (Tomlin)," Watt stated following the 2023 season amid speculation regarding Tomlin’s contract status. Tomlin eventually signed a new deal extending through 2027, solidifying his position as one of the NFL’s highest-paid coaches.
Steelers general manager Omar Khan has also reiterated his hopes for Watt to become what Tomlin refers to as a “one-helmet” guy. "T.J. is one of those legacy guys," Khan remarked at the NFL Scouting Combine in February. "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 negotiations progress, all eyes will be on T.J. Watt and the Steelers as they navigate this critical juncture in his career.
