The Pittsburgh Steelers’ offseason has been bursting with headlines, namely, is Aaron Rodgers coming to the Steel City or retiring? The second has been the status of star edge rusher T.J. Watt, who’s entering the final year of a four-year, $112 million extension inked in 2021.
Mark Kaboly, Steelers insider for “The Pat McAfee Show,” shed some light on the tenuous situation in Pittsburgh on the May 30 edition of his new podcast, “Kaboly+Mack.”
What’s Driving the Contract Negotiation Delay Between T.J. Watt and the Pittsburgh Steelers?
While Watt’s absence from OTAs has fueled speculation, it’s not entirely unusual for stars of his caliber to remain unsigned heading into the summer. Notable Steelers legends like Hines Ward, Troy Polamalu, and Cam Heyward in 2020 all finalized extensions late in the offseason.
The Steelers also adhere to clear contract practices. They don’t negotiate once the season begins, and typically structure their extensions in the summer. Despite national chatter, many in Pittsburgh believe this is simply business as usual.
That said, this is no ordinary negotiation. Watt is a seven-time Pro Bowler, a four-time All-Pro, and the 2021 Defensive Player of the Year. Since being drafted No. 30 overall in the 2017 NFL Draft, he has amassed 108 sacks, 462 tackles, 225 QB hits, 33 forced fumbles, 12 fumble recoveries, seven interceptions and 49 passes defended. His production speaks for itself.
In April, Watt stoked the rumor mill with a cryptic peace-sign post on Instagram, which many interpreted as a contract hint. Since then, the questions have only grown louder.
According to Kaboly, the Steelers already have an offer on the table. “I’m under the belief that there is a contract offer on the table right now, which is pretty significant,” Kaboly said. “However, it’s probably not what he thinks it is. It’s not [Myles] Garrett money… There is an offer on the table. I just assume since he’s not signing, it’s … terms, years, guaranteed money, something is holding it up.”
The recent $40 million-per-year deal signed by Browns rival Myles Garrett has raised the bar. As Kaboly explained, “At this age, it’s probably term as well … If T.J. wants four or five years at, okay, you’re not going to give me 40, give me 38, right?”
Watt turns 31 this season, and the Steelers may be hesitant to commit to a long-term deal at top-of-the-market money. From Watt’s side, the desire for both years and guaranteed dollars is understandable.
“If you guarantee that guy two years at 40 [million] and then have some wiggle room to get out of it after year three or four, I don’t know how you can say no to that,” Kaboly added.
Across the league, star players like Garrett, New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs, and Cincinnati Bengals star defensive end Trey Hendrickson are skipping OTAs. Watt’s absence isn’t alarming to those familiar with Pittsburgh’s process. His presence is still felt, especially through young players like Nick Herbig, who credited Watt and Alex Highsmith for mentoring him.
For now, the standoff remains. But given Watt’s value and Pittsburgh’s track record, it would be surprising if the two sides don’t find common ground before Week 1.