Steelers’ T.J. Watt Is Not In The Building For Mandatory Minicamp Due To Pursuit Of New Contract

T.J. Watt is not attending the Pittsburgh Steelers’ mandatory minicamp this week amid his pursuit of a new contract, sources tell ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Watt also skipped the voluntary OTAs earlier this offseason as he attempted to negotiate a new deal with him entering the final year of his current contract with the Steelers.

If Watt misses all three days of minicamp, he would be subject to nearly $105,000 in fines. The Steelers open their minicamp Tuesday, when four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers is expected to practice with his new teammates for the first time.

Watt last signed a four-year, $112 million deal in 2021 that averaged $28 million per year. The 2023 Defensive Player of the Year, Myles Garrett, reset the pass-rusher market three months ago, however, with a record deal three months ago that averages $40 million annually and includes $123.5 million guaranteed money, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.

Watt hasn’t spoken publicly since the end of the 2024 season, but he seemingly expressed frustration with the negotiations in April when he posted a picture to his Instagram story of himself flashing a peace sign in a Steelers jersey.

The Steelers have remained steadfast in their optimism that a deal will get done with Watt. General manager Omar Khan told reporters in March that he was “very hopeful that T.J. will finish his career as a Steeler.

“We expect him back at some point,” defensive coordinator Teryl Austin said Tuesday. “We don’t get caught up (in that) … He’s going to be in shape (whenever he arrives).”

Watt has 108 career sacks, which is 5.5 more than Garrett and the sixth-most among active NFL players. The four-time All-Pro was the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2021 and has spent his entire eight-year career with the Steelers.

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Article by James Van Wickler