As the Pittsburgh Steelers transition from the voluntary sessions of their offseason program to mandatory minicamp, attention is sharply focused on star player T.J. Watt, who has announced he will not attend the upcoming mandatory minicamp. This news comes as Watt, who is in the final year of his current contract, is looking for a significant extension from the team.
Watt, an elite outside linebacker and the 2021 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, is not taking the “hold-in” approach that some players have opted for to avoid fines while still technically participating. Instead, he has decided to skip minicamp entirely. Under the NFL’s Collective Bargaining Agreement, Watt faces fines for his absence, starting at $17,462 for missing the first day and escalating for additional missed days.
Last season, during a similar period of contract negotiations, Watt held in before securing a contract extension just prior to the start of the regular season. However, this year’s situation is more complex; the market for top defensive players has skyrocketed, highlighted by Myles Garrett’s lucrative deal worth $40 million per season. Given that Watt has consistently outperformed Garrett statistically, it is reasonable to expect he will seek an extension that exceeds this amount.
Compounding the Steelers’ challenges, the longer they delay addressing Watt’s contract, the more difficult it may become, especially with other standout players like Micah Parsons and Aidan Hutchinson also looking for new deals in the near future. Additionally, this offseason marks a personal milestone for Watt, as he recently became a father, which may influence his priorities beyond the financial realm.
The Steelers have ample financial flexibility, particularly with quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ comparatively low salary, providing them with the capacity to negotiate a new deal for Watt. The team’s history of rewarding standout players suggests that there is hope for a resolution soon, allowing both sides to focus on the upcoming season.
This situation serves as a reminder of the ongoing complexities involved in player contracts and the delicate balance teams must maintain in rewarding top talent while managing overall financial commitments.