T.J. Watt’s Mysterious Absence from Steelers OTAs Sparks Contract Drama Speculation

T.J. Watt’s absence from the Steelers’ voluntary workouts this week has got tongues wagging — and honestly, who can blame them? Waiting on a contract kicker always stirs the pot, especially when we’re talking about a deal that could catapult him into the elite echelon as football’s highest-paid defender. Watt is about to enter the last year of his hefty $112 million extension, but the market’s shifted dramatically since — with other pass rushers now commanding nearly double his current salary. Sure, missing OTAs could mean a bunch of things, maybe even nothing related to money, but when a superstar like Watt’s name is in the mix, you bet that the contract talks aren’t far from everyone’s mind. Yet, there’s a palpable sense neither side’s ready to walk away, and with teammates vouching for his commitment to Steelers’ territory, this saga promises to keep unfolding. LEARN MORE.

Watt is currently set to enter the final year of his four-year, 2 million extension with the Steelers this fall. That will pay him just more than million, which is roughly half of what the market is now set at for a pass rusher. Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett makes million per season on his contract, which is the largest defensive deal in the league. It’s unclear if Watt will surpass that deal, but he’s clearly proven himself as an elite defender throughout his eight seasons in the league.T.J. Watt has been away from the Pittsburgh Steelers this week while he waits for his new deal.Watt has led the NFL in sacks three times, including in 2021 when he matched the league record with 22.5 sacks. Watt was the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year that season. He’s led the league in forced fumbles twice, too, and he has 108 sacks in his career.

Watt has led the NFL in sacks three times, including in 2021 when he matched the league record with 22.5 sacks. Watt was the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year that season. He’s led the league in forced fumbles twice, too, and he has 108 sacks in his career.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement