TJ Watt was absent from OTAS this year, but now he reportedly missed the mandatory mini-camp. He wants to extend his contract from the Pittsburgh Steelers, but the two have not yet agreed to the deal. His future is uncertain as Watt skips mini camp. It feels like the Steelers will give him a new contract, but there is no guarantee that it will happen. However, CBS Sports insider Jonathan Jones is confident Watt will play for the Steelers this year.
“In any situation, TJ Watt hasn’t seen him on another team other than the Pittsburgh Steelers,” Jones said. Tuesday at CBS Sports Headquarters. “I think in the end they’ll end up with a condition on the agreement. They should probably be a condition several months in advance, if not a year ago.”
Despite getting a bit troubling during this contract dispute, Watt feels destined to remain a steeler. Pittsburgh really has no reason to trade him. They were not asked for cap space and showed commitment to victory. Watt trading moves further away from the target, especially at this point in the offseason.
But Jones is right that the Steelers have fallen into this situation. In addition to his injured 2022 season, Watt has remained one of the league’s best players. He deserves a great expansion. The Steelers could have given him earlier, and they would have saved some money.
Instead, they stuck to the precedent, and the edge rush market increased significantly. Miles Garrett and Max Crosby have reset the market. Also, Mika Parsons is still trying to get the extension. If his transaction is completed before Watt, that price tag could rise again.
The Steelers will likely end up completing the deal with Watt. They have taken care of most of the players before. This transaction can take a little longer as it involves a lot of money. It’s a bigger deal, so Pittsburgh probably pays a little more attention to negotiations. Still, watts are worth every penny. Giving him the contract he wants is the right move.
