T.J. Watt and the Pittsburgh Steelers have yet to come to terms on a contract extension. As a result the 2021 NFL Defensive Player of the Year has held out from the team, missing mandatory minicamp last week.
The good news? It appears both sides are working amicably to make some progress on this front. Watt’s value to the Steelers remains unquestioned and the team wants their homegrown defensive star to stay in the Steel City long term.
There are a few obstacles to navigate for the Steelers while working through these negotiations. Myles Garrett’s record-setting deal earlier in the offseason has adjusted the price point for Watt and other players like Micah Parsons looking for a similar deal.
And in that same vein it creates further complication for the Steelers, competing with another team in accomplishing the same goal.
ESPN insider Adam Schefter provided some additional clarity on the situation during an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show on Wednesday. Schefter does not believe Watt’s deal will match that of Garrett but he will still get his big pay day.
“I don’t know that he’s going to get more than Myles Garrett. I think T.J. Watt’s going to get a nice, strong, healthy deal…
“I can’t imagine T.J. Watt wouldn’t be there for the start of training camp, that Pittsburgh would not get a deal done… He’s seen all the money that’s gone around and he wants to make sure he gets rewarded in the appropriate way.”
Garrett has become the benchmark comparison for the other pass rushers due for extensions this offseason. But as Schefter details the key similarities really end with being star players at the same position.
Players like Watt and Parsons will both get significant pay days in the coming weeks or months. However, the age makes a difference.
Parsons being four years younger than Garrett and still entering his athletic prime makes him surpassing the Cleveland Browns’ star more of a reality. Watt, still worth a hefty price, turns 31 this fall with his peak athletic years likely behind him.
That does not mean his impact will be felt any less on the field. But it makes for a change in the perspective with regard to these deals.
Regardless, it appears Watt and the Steelers are getting on the path toward a deal. Whenever they arrive at their final destination, expect a huge extension for No. 90.
