Steelers EDGE T.J. Watt absent from OTAs amid contract kerfuffle
Steelers EDGE T.J. Watt absent from OTAs amid contract kerfuffle
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf wasn't the only starter absent from the first day of OTAs on Tuesday. But while Metcalf is just sitting out to get a little extra rest, edge defender T.J. Watt is missing OTAs for a completely different reason.
Watt is headed into the final year of his four-year extension worth $112 million he signed back in 2021. Despite a late-season swoon, Watt is still one of the best all-around edge defenders and an elite pass rusher. Watt wants a new contract and a raise and the Steelers want Watt to retire with the team. At this point, it is simply a matter of the two sides finding common ground on a new deal to keep the 30-year-old happy and a Steeler.
2024 was Watt's worst season since his rookie year, if we exclude 2020 when Watt only played in 10 games. Watt has led the NFL in sacks three times, a feat no player has matched, and has one Defensive Player of the Year award on his resume.
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