Steelers’ T.J. Watt Contract Drama Escalates: What’s Really Behind the Offer on the Table?

T.J. Watt’s absence at the Steelers’ recent organized team activities definitely set off a buzz, and it’s clear the star edge rusher has his sights set on securing a new deal—yet talks are far from over. Mark Kaboly, that stalwart voice on all things Steelers, mentioned on his podcast that the team has already laid a notably “substantial” offer on the table. Still, it seems Watt’s expectations and the offer aren’t quite seeing eye-to-eye just yet. What exactly Watt finds lacking remains under wraps, but with Myles Garrett’s jaw-dropping $40 million annual contract out there setting the benchmark for edge defenders, one can’t help but wonder if Watt’s looking for a number in the same stratosphere. So, while there’s plenty of groundwork left to cover, the ticking clock adds a layer of tension to negotiations that might shape the Steelers’ defensive future. LEARN MORE

There are a lot of other details involved, however, and it remains to be seen how long it will take for them to be ironed out. Longtime Steelers reporter Mark Kaboly said on his podcast that the Steelers have made a contract offer to Watt that he describes as “pretty substantial,” but that “it’s probably not” what Watt is looking for in his next deal with the team. The report did not indicate what about the deal is not to Watt’s liking, but the fact that it hasn’t been signed shows that there’s more work to do. Browns defensive end Myles Garrett recently set the high bar for edge rushers with a deal averaging million per season and it is reasonable to guess that Watt is looking for something in that neighborhood as well. Steelers edge rusher T.J. Watt was not with the team for last week’s start to organized team activities as he looks for a new contract and it doesn’t sound like an agreement is imminent.