TJ Watt is currently absent from the Pittsburgh Steelers this week as he awaits a new contract. His choice to miss the team’s voluntary training sessions could stem from various factors, but it might also hint at tough negotiations ahead to secure his status as the highest-paid defender in the NFL.
Watt is about to enter the final year of a four-year, $112 million deal with the Steelers this fall, which pays him just over $21 million annually—roughly half the going rate for top pass rushers right now. For comparison, Cleveland Browns star Miles Garrett earns $40 million per year, holding the league’s largest defensive contract. While it’s uncertain if Watt will surpass that figure, he has undeniably established himself as one of the premier defenders during his eight NFL seasons.
In 2021, Watt led the league with three sacks and matched the NFL record by recording 22.5 sacks, earning the Defensive Player of the Year award. He has also led the league twice in forced fumbles and has accumulated 108 sacks in his career. Last season was less impressive, with 61 tackles and 11.5 sacks—the lowest full-season sack total since his rookie year—but even as he approaches 31, Watt remains one of the league’s elite defensive talents.
The exact reason behind Watt skipping the current offseason training activities is unknown, and while it’s likely unrelated to his contract, ongoing negotiations could present challenges if not resolved soon. Fortunately, it appears both parties are committed to finding a resolution.
Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith recently told NFL Network, “I’m sure he’s not going anywhere,” adding, “He loves being here. He loves being in Pittsburgh, and the city loves him. Everyone knows he’s a generational player, so he wants to be here, and he knows they’ll do whatever it takes to get the deal done.”
Fan Take: This contract situation is crucial for the Steelers and the NFL because Watt’s presence dramatically impacts the defense and team success. Securing his future with Pittsburgh not only strengthens the franchise but also sets a high bar for defensive player valuations across the league.
