T.J. Watt skips Steelers OTAs amid contract extension drama that could shake up Pittsburgh's 2025 season

Time of India

a day ago

T.J. Watt skips Steelers OTAs amid contract extension drama that could shake up Pittsburgh's 2025 season (Getty Images)
Pittsburgh Steelers superstar T.J. Watt may not have said much about his contract situation, but his absence from the team's recent organized team activities (OTAs) is making headlines for all the right reasons.
Watt, who is entering the final year of his current deal, is reminding the league—and especially the Steelers front office—that it's time to talk business.
Steelers face uncertainty as T.J. Watt's OTA absence hints at deeper contract standoff with the franchise
Back in 2021, T.J. Watt inked a four-year, $112 million extension that, at the time, made him the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history with a $28 million average per year. Fast forward to 2025, and that record has been shattered by Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett, whose annual value now crosses the $40 million mark.
Watt, a former Defensive Player of the Year and one of the most feared pass-rushers in the game, has every reason to expect a contract that reflects the current market.
Although he hasn't publicly addressed the situation, Watt hinted at his dissatisfaction when he posted a cryptic peace sign on social media last month—a gesture often interpreted as a sign-off or farewell. It was a subtle but telling move.
T.J.'s older brother, J.J.
Watt, recently appeared on The Pat McAfee Show and, while choosing not to speak directly on the situation, dropped some insightful commentary that mirrors the complexities players face in contract negotiations. 'Ownership and front offices obviously treat this like a business,' J.J. said, 'but they do not like it when the players flip the script on them and treat it like a business back.
'
That statement couldn't be more relevant to T.J.'s
case. NFL teams often justify tough contract calls as strategic decisions, but when players push back or demand what they've earned, they're labeled as selfish or disloyal. It's a double standard that many top-tier players—Watt included—are no longer willing to tolerate.
J.J. went on to emphasize the importance of handling extensions early. 'If you take care of things early... do that,' he explained, warning that delays lead to resentment.
Using the example of Cincinnati's Trey Hendrickson, who has already voiced his displeasure over his contract situation, J.J. stressed how unresolved negotiations can sour relationships inside locker rooms. 'You kick the can down the road, the can gets a whole lot bigger,' he added.
'Now we got ourselves a garbage pail.'
The Steelers are facing a pivotal decision. Last year, Watt showed up for camp while still negotiating, opting for a 'hold-in' strategy to avoid fines while making his stance known.
But the market wasn't as inflated then as it is now. With the going rate for elite pass rushers climbing rapidly, delaying an extension for Watt will only increase the eventual price tag.
Complicating matters is the team's recent decision to give a market-level deal to a player who hasn't even suited up for Pittsburgh yet. If an outsider can command that level of commitment, there's no justifiable reason to shortchange Watt, a homegrown talent and cornerstone of the defense.
T.J. Watt has let his play—and now his silence—do the talking. The Steelers have a golden opportunity to set the tone and take care of their most valuable defender before this can of worms turns into a dumpster fire.
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