DK Metcalf and T.J. Watt started the offseason on two teams whose older fan bases still carry a level of resentment toward each other. The Seattle Seahawks and Pittsburgh Steelers faced off in Super Bowl XL, leaving Seahawks fans’ dreams shattered.
Now, nearly 20 years later, the Seahawks’ biggest star is a member of the Steelers. Losing Metcalf certainly stings, but Seahawks fans might find some comfort knowing the move could be causing headaches for a longtime rival.
Did DK Metcalf’s New Deal Cause Friction for T.J. Watt?
On the May 29 edition of “Pro Football Talk,” NFL analyst Mike Florio said he believes adding Metcalf might have triggered Watt’s frustration, creating an issue inside the Steelers’ locker room.
“DK Metcalf, when they give him a five-year, $130 million contract, and he’s never played for the team before, that’s going to embolden the guy who’s been a loyal servant since 2017 to say, ‘if you’re going to give him market value, and he’s a stranger to the Steelers, I want market value too, and it’s not unreasonable for me to expect it,’” Florio said.
Watt is missing from OTAs, taking things further than he did in his last contract negotiation with the Steelers. According to Pro Football Talk, Watt “held in” during his previous negotiation, showing up in person. This time, he hasn’t even done that.
Meanwhile, Metcalf is enjoying a brand new $132 million deal over five years after only a brief introduction, per Spotrac.
Could a Hidden Clause in Metcalf’s Contract Calm Watt’s Concerns?
If Metcalf’s huge contract is at the heart of Watt’s holdout, the deal’s fine print might also be the answer. Metcalf’s deal may be worth $132 million on paper, but it’s far from fully guaranteed. Under his current contract, the wide receiver could be released as early as after the 2026 season.
If that happens, much of Metcalf’s deal would be wiped out. In other words, the wide receiver could end up with far less than the full amount fans first saw.
This financial “out” lines up with the receiver turning 30, suggesting that the Steelers might see this as a two-year contract with three years of options. If Watt learns that Metcalf’s deal isn’t quite as secure as it looks, it might help ease his frustration.
Of course, that would leave Watt with the delicate task of not letting Metcalf know about the team’s real plan. That alone could create its own awkward situation. Either way, it remains to be seen if the Steelers will get Watt back in the building before things get worse.