Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt and Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson, amid contract stalemates with their organizations, have decided to take the same tact.
While the love of the game matters when the athlete starts as a child and through high school, players in the NFL play to get paid as professionals. When those NFL checks start rolling in, the talent evolves into a brand in human form that worries about the bottom line. When their respective teams don’t seem too pressed to cobble together a sound deal, players need to make tough choices.
However, what price does that involve for the athletes?
Financial Risks for T.J. Watt and Trey Hendrickson Amid Minicamp Holdouts
The old adage of “you need to spend money to make money” never applied better to camp holdouts. In order to secure an extension that pays them significantly more, some NFL players will hold out, with the knowledge that their team will fine them for the absence. Yet, they hold fast because many feel like their statistics and importance hold a significant amount of influence within the organization.
Now, don’t expect a third-stringer or fringe player to stage a holdout. Those remain the exclusive property of the high-level players that many deem as irreplaceable, talents that teams build around. NFL Insider Adam Schefter provided the fine amounts that Hendrickson and Watt could face.
Players on veteran deals, including the Bengals’ Trey Hendrickson and the Steelers’ T.J. Watt who are skipping mandatory minicamp, are subject to these fines:
🏈Day 1: $17,462
🏈Day 2: $34,925
🏈Day 3: $52,381Three days total: $104,768. https://t.co/m8KoGD1g6K pic.twitter.com/uhDE43eMwT
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 10, 2025
The talented duo will forfeit a combined $209,536 in fines by skipping out on mandatory minicamp. Yet, that number pales in comparison to what their market is. If Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett’s contract, paying him an average of $40 million annually, sets the market, what should Watt and Hendrickson command? Even Las Vegas Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby landed a deal paying him $35 million per year.
Now, looking at this rationally, both Hendrickson’s and Watt’s sack numbers over the past two years proved they outplayed their contracts. For example, Hendrickson’s 35 sacks in the last two years eclipsed the numbers from Garrett (28) and Crosby (22). Watt’s 30.5 outpaces both of his higher-paid contemporaries.
The Steelers and Bengals sit in a similar, but uncomfortable place. Both teams currently look up to the Baltimore Ravens as the standard-bearer of the AFC North. The Ravens look like one of the best teams in the AFC, helmed by quarterback Lamar Jackson, who relishes the opportunity to move the pocket and make plays. By not paying Watt and Hendrickson, the Steelers and Bengals could eventually make Jackson’s job infinitely easier.
While both players currently possess millions in the bank, the fines don’t hurt from a financial perspective, but more from a statement angle. With others in the elite position group cashing in, when will their turn happen?