Why isn't T.J. Watt at Steelers mandatory minicamp? All-Pro looking for new contract
The Pittsburgh Steelers are opening their mandatory minicamp on Tuesday. Newly signed quarterback Aaron Rodgers is expected to be in attendance for the event.
Star edge rusher T.J. Watt is not.
Watt is set to miss minicamp as he attempts to negotiate a new contract with the Steelers. The seven-time Pro Bowler will be subject to fines for each day of camp he misses, with the cumulative cost of missing the three days amounting to $104,768.
Here's what to know about Watt's absence from Steelers mandatory minicamp.
Why isn't T.J. Watt at Steelers minicamp?
Watt isn't attending Pittsburgh's mandatory minicamp as he seeks a contract extension with the team.
Watt is entering the final year of a four-year, $112 million extension he signed with the Steelers in 2021. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport said there is "no progress on a long-term deal" when reporting the 30-year-old's absence from Pittsburgh's minicamp.
Watt has long been one of the NFL's top pass rushers and has been named an All-Pro first-teamer four times in the last six years. He has led the NFL in sacks three times since 2020 and notched a league-high six forced fumbles last season.
Watt's 30.5 combined sacks over the last two seasons are good for second-most in the NFL behind only Cincinnati Bengals star Trey Hendrickson. Ironically, Hendrickson is also holding out from the Bengals minicamp as he seeks a new contract or a trade.
T.J. Watt contract details
As mentioned, Watt is entering the final year of a four-year deal he signed with the Steelers on eve of the 2021 season. Below are the terms of the contract, per Spotrac.com:
- Term: 4 years
- Total value: $112 million
- Average annual value (AAV): $28 million
- Guaranteed money: $80 million
Watt's AAV of just over $28 million was once a record for a defensive player. Now, it ranks ninth league-wide on that side of the ball and $12 million behind the $40 million AAV Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett earned on a 2025 extension.