TJ Watt, who is entering the final year of a four-year $112 million contract, has been absent from OTAs as he campaigns for a new deal.
Now, he just stepped things up a notch.
The former Defensive Player of the Year previously had the record for the highest-paid contract at his position when he signed his current deal in 2021.
Without a new extension, he’ll make $21.05 million on salary and cost $30.4 million total on the cap.
He wants more.
According to a new report, the Pittsburgh Steelers will not have their star player in attendance at mandatory minicamp this week, as TJ Watt plans to hold out.
Watt is not expected to be at mandatory minicamp this week, which begins on June 10 and runs through June 12.
This portion of the offseason program is no longer voluntary, so Watt, who wasn’t present at the non-mandatory offseason workouts, will be subject to fines if he doesn’t show up.
The 30-year-old is entering his ninth season in the league and remains one of the game’s best defensive players. In 2024, he totaled 11.5 sacks and a league-leading six forced fumbles.
It goes without saying how huge he is for the team and their defense. Over the years, he has led the league in sacks a record three times and owns four First-Team All-Pro honors to go with his 2021 DPOY.
There is no question that Pittsburgh wants to keep him here and keep him happy.
The Steelers Must Pay TJ Watt
Since the conclusion of the 2025 NFL Draft, all of the buzz surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers has been about Aaron Rodgers. The 41-year-old quarterback has since signed a deal.
One major storyline getting lost in the shuffle is the contract talks between the Steelers and TJ Watt.
That has now taken center stage since Watt has not shown up to mandatory minicamp.
Since signing his last deal just before the start of the 2021 season, Watt led the league in sacks twice while earning First-Team All-Pro honors two times and being named the AP Defensive Player of the Year.
If the Steelers plan to compete this year, they must sign Watt.
