Latest news with #Watt
USA Today
38 minutes ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Insider: Steelers will prioritize T.J. Watt extension, not Minkah Fitzpatrick just yet
Insider: Steelers will prioritize T.J. Watt extension, not Minkah Fitzpatrick just yet T.J. Watt's contract buzz continues to dominate headlines in the Steel City — which has done zero favors for another All-Pro defender's soon-to-expire contract. T.J.'s older brother, J.J. Watt, argued that the Steelers should have gotten the deal done one year earlier to potentially earn a "hometown discount" — and that's exactly what Pittsburgh could do this season with FS Minkah Fitzpatrick, a notion that insider Gerry Dulac quickly shot down. During Wednesday's Steelers chat on the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Dulac was asked if Watt or Fitzpatrick could be extended before the 2025 regular season began — and this was his response: "They will try to extend Watt. Minkah not on that list yet." While Fitzpatrick's splash plays have become quite rare over the past few seasons, he is still more than capable of completely erasing one side of the field in coverage — and the Steelers would be wise to re-sign him before they repeat another Watt mishap. For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
USA Today
13 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Rumor: Steelers offered Watt new deal — but not Myles Garrett money
Rumor: Steelers offered Watt new deal — but not Myles Garrett money T.J. Watt's contract dilemma just took another unexpected turn, as longtime sportswriter Mark Kaboly reported that the belief is the Steelers have presented a contract offer to Watt — just not one that he'd sign. Kaboly recently explained on his podcast with co-host Chris Mack what he believes the holdup might be: "I'm under the belief that there is a contract offer on the table right now — which is pretty significant. However, it's probably not what [Watt] thinks it is." Mack clarified that the deal isn't "Garrett money," to which Kaboly responded: "Yes. I'm not one hundred percent sure on that, but it's not like they're offering him, you know, $15 million and 'Hey, you're playing for the Steelers, so take it right now.' There is an offer on the table." It was previously rumored that Watt was seeking to surpass Garrett's $123.5 million in guaranteed money. This is no easy feat to accomplish, as the Browns edge rusher more than reset the market — he practically destroyed it. For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Three Wisconsin Badgers land in PFF's list of the NFL's top edge rushers ahead of 2025
Three Wisconsin Badgers land in PFF's list of the NFL's top edge rushers ahead of 2025 A trio of former Wisconsin Badgers appeared on ProFootballFocus' list of the top 32 edge rushers ahead of the 2025 NFL season. Led by Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett, PFF's list includes former Badgers T.J. Watt, Andrew Van Ginkel and Nick Herbig. Watt, who is entering his ninth season representing the Pittsburgh Steelers, landed at No. 3 on the hierarchy behind Garrett and Dallas Cowboys star pass rusher Micah Parsons. Watt earned the No. 3 designation ahead of San Francisco 49ers great Nick Bosa and Detroit Lions rising star Aidan Hutchinson in the top 5. In 17 starts at left outside linebacker for Mike Tomlin's crew, Watt tallied 60 total tackles (40 solo), 27 quarterback hits, 19 tackles for loss, 11 1/2 sacks, a league-best six forced fumbles and four pass deflections. The former Badger pocketed his seventh consecutive Pro Bowl appearance, was named second-team All-Pro and finished fourth in Defensive Player of the Year voting behind Patrick Surtain II (winner), Trey Hendrickson and Garrett. Watt has also led the NFL in sacks three times at linebacker as arguably the most consistent defensive player since he was first named a Pro Bowler in 2018. Here's PFF's analysis of the superstar ahead of the 2025 campaign: "Watt is best known for his pass-rushing prowess, which was on full display once again in 2024. His 90.1 PFF pass-rush grade marked the fifth time in six seasons he earned a grade of 90.0 or higher. He also took home PFF Run Defender of the Year honors last season, backed by a 1.63-yard average depth of tackle and a 3.2% negatively graded play rate, the lowest among all box defenders in the NFL." The second Badger to make an appearance on the ranking is Minnesota Vikings linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel, who earned a one-year, $23 million contract extension on April 29 for his contributions for Brian Flores' defensive unit during the 2024 season. The Wisconsin product totaled 79 tackles, 18 for loss, 11 1/2 sacks, 19 quarterback hits, six pass deflections, one forced fumble and two pick-sixes a season ago, enough to pocket him a Pro Bowl nod, second-team All-Pro selection and No. 7 finish in Defensive Player of the Year ballots. The former Badger displayed glimpses of his dominance from 2019-23 with the Miami Dolphins prior to his 2024 output with Minnesota. His overall emergence is unexpected following his fifth-round selection in the 2019 NFL draft. Here's what PFF's staff had to say: "Van Ginkel reunited with former Dolphins head coach Brian Flores in Minnesota and delivered the most productive season of his career, recording 50 pressures for the second straight year and a career-high 11.5 sacks. His pass-rushing numbers could have been even higher if not for his frequent coverage responsibilities — he dropped into coverage 212 times in 2024, by far the most among edge defenders. Still, with three pick-sixes over the past two seasons, it's a skill set the Vikings are wise to utilize." The third and final Badger to secure a spot on PFF's list is Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig, a first-team All-Big Ten team member in 2022 and emerging playmaker behind Watt. In 13 total appearances, the Hawaii native tallied 22 total tackles (13 solo), 11 quarterback hits, 5 1/2 sacks, five tackles for loss and four forced fumbles. Following a strong preseason, Herbig flashed his brilliance early in the season, including a three-tackle, two-sack performance in Week 3 against the Los Angeles Chargers. While he doesn't draw the headlines like some of his teammates, Herbig is a versatile player on a loaded defense. "No player embodied the 'pass-rushing specialist' role better than Herbig in 2024. The second-year pro was elite in limited snaps, earning a 91.5 PFF pass-rush grade — fourth among 109 qualifying edge defenders. However, he struggled against the run, grading out at 48.2 (101st), and will need to improve in that area to move up this list next season." All three will look to build off what they accomplished during the 2024 campaign with strong individual outputs this fall. Pittsburgh begins its season on Sept. 7 against the New York Jets, and Minnesota kicks off on Sept. 8 in Chicago. Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
NFL OTAs tracker: Kirk Cousins, Micah Parsons and T.J. Watt among big names not participating in voluntary workouts
NFL OTAs are underway, and a number of players are gathering with teammates to get ready for the start of the 2025 NFL season. While attendance is voluntary at this point in the offseason, a number of prominent players decided to skip the first day of those workouts for various reasons. Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins is among the biggest name not present at OTAs on Tuesday. Cousins is seeking a trade after he was benched in favor of Michael Penix last season. Cousins hasn't come out and vocally requested a trade, but there are rumors he wants to start next season and is willing to waive his no-trade clause to get that opportunity elsewhere. Advertisement While Cousins did show up for team workouts in April, he was a no-show Tuesday, increasing speculation he prefers to join another team ahead of the regular season. Cousins is far from the only big-name player not taking part in OTAs on Tuesday. Below is a list of some of the most prominent players who opted against attending their team's workouts. T.J. Watt skips Steelers OTAs While he's waiting for a new contract, T.J. Watt is skipping the Pittsburgh Steelers' voluntary workouts. Watt was not with the Steelers as their workouts started this week. While he's not commented or given a reason why, Watt is currently heading into the final year of a four-year, $112 million extension he signed in 2021. Watt had 61 total tackles and 11.5 sacks last season, his eighth with the Steelers. Advertisement He's due to make $21.05 million this season, roughly half of what the top of the market is offering. Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett is making $40 million per season on his deal. Watt's new contract could very likely top that, which would make him the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history. It's unclear when Watt will get his new deal, or what that might look like. But, at least in the meantime, he's going to prepare for the upcoming season away from his franchise. Brian Schottenheimer confirms Micah Parsons isn't at OTAs New Dallas Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer told reporters Thursday that star pass rusher Micah Parsons hasn't been at OTAs this week. Parsons is trying to negotiate a new contract with the team, though he did show up to voluntary workouts in April. Advertisement Schottenheimer downplayed Parsons' May absence, stressing that May's workouts are voluntary. He added that he had lunch with Parsons in May, indicating there's no bad blood between the two. Mike Vrabel talks about Stefon Diggs after party videos emerge New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel answered questions about new wideout Stefon Diggs after the receiver failed to report to OTAs on Wednesday. Diggs' absence drew attention after videos emerged in which he was partying on a boat with his girlfriend, rapper Cardi B. Vrabel urged Patriots players to make good decisions when asked about Diggs. Diggs signed with the team in the offseason after tearing his ACL with the Houston Texans last season. It's unclear when he'll return to the field in 2025. James Cook misses Bills OTAs amid new contract talk After two straight seasons with over 1,200 scrimmage yards, Buffalo Bills running back James Cook would like a new contract. Cook, 25, is entering the final year of his rookie contract, and is hoping to secure a long-term extension before hitting the free-agent market. Advertisement Cook dropped some hints during the offseason that he's seeking roughly $15 million per year as part of his next deal. That would make him the third-highest paid running back in football, behind Saquon Barkley and Christian McCaffrey. Cook is set to make roughly $5 million next season unless he's able to secure a contract extension ahead of the regular season. Terry McLaurin not present at OTAs as team talks extension Washington Commanders star Terry McLaurin did not report to OTAs on Wednesday, though it doesn't seem like a serious issue. McLaurin and the Commanders have reportedly discussed an extension after the veteran scored a career-high 13 touchdowns last season. Advertisement McLaurin, 29, has spent his entire career in Washington and showed strong chemistry with Jayden Daniels last season, so offseason OTAs aren't necessarily essential for the wideout. If the team can come to an agreement on an extension, it's possible McLaurin will report. Myles Garrett, Diontae Johnson missing from Browns OTAs The Cleveland Browns are missing two big-name players as OTAs open Wednesday. Star pass rusher Myles Garrett did not report, though there's no cause for concern there. Garrett signed a mega-deal with the team over the offseason, so he isn't seeking a new contract. Receiver Diontae Johnson is the more interesting absence. Johnson signed a one-year deal with the Browns in May. Since he's a new addition, Johnson might have benefitted from being with the team to get to know his new offense and quarterback. Johnson is looking to bounce back after posting the fewest catches and receiving yards in his career last season. Kyle Pitts misses OTAs while rehabbing from injury The Falcons also opened OTAs without tight end Kyle Pitts in attendance. While Pitts, like Cook, is entering the final year of his rookie deal, his absence is reportedly not contract related. Advertisement He's at the team facility working back from a foot injury and was simply not on the field for practice this week, according to The Bleacher Report's James Palmer. Bengals' Shemar Stewart sitting out of OTAs due to contract The Cincinnati Bengals appear determined to anger any player seeking a new contract. Trey Hendrickson might be the biggest name on the team still waiting for a new deal, but first rounder Shemar Stewart is also a part of that group. While both the length and salaries of rookie contracts are essentially set, Stewart appears to be at an impasse with the team over language in his offer, per Pro Football Talk. The specific language in question wasn't included in recent deals handed out by the Bengals, including the one given to receiver Tee Higgins or the one given to last year's first-round pick Amarius Mims, according to PFT. Advertisement Stewart is present at OTAs, but he is not taking part in workouts since he hasn't signed his deal yet. Haason Reddick skips first day of OTAs after signing in March Haason Reddick, who signed a one-year, $14 million deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in March, was not present at the start of OTAs on Tuesday. Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles was asked about the situation Tuesday, saying he believes the team will see Reddick "one of these days." OTAs are voluntary, so Reddick — who missed multiple games last season after a contract holdout with the New York Jets — is not obligated to be there. The team reportedly did not put an incentive in his contract that encouraged him to show up, per PFT. Advertisement A number of Bucs veterans — including Mike Evans and Chris Godwin — were not present at voluntary OTAs. Reddick's absence received more attention given his holdout last season and the fact that's he's new to the team. Twenty-four different teams held OTAs on Tuesday. Eight other teams will begin OTAs on Wednesday, so there could be more big-name players who decide to stay home due to contract-related issues.
Boston Globe
2 days ago
- Business
- Boston Globe
New England companies are sparking an industrial revolution. Here's how to harness it.
Advertisement In my new book, I explore how the industrialists of the mid-18th century provided a road map for making improvements to human life. Ben Franklin, for example, even listed industry as one of his famous 13 virtues, defining it in part as a sustained effort toward useful goals. Such effort was integral to the first Industrial Revolution. It took James Watt, whose improvements to the steam engine are credited with sparking the revolution, some two decades of improvements and modifications for his product to achieve what is known today as a 'product-market fit.' And for every figure like Watt who had a 'eureka' moment, there was someone like his business partner Matthew Boulton, a metal manufacturer who helped Watt with capital, know-how, and access to tools and skilled workers. Advertisement The early industrialists knew that what is today called 'process innovation,' making things better, leads to 'product innovation,' making better things. In other words, actually making something teaches you how to invent the next thing. In reality, The situation facing industry is far more complex than it was 250 years ago, of course. The mass production of the 20th century is giving way to new means of production and new forms of work. Digital technologies allow companies to spread manufacturing across geographical locations, to increase productivity. Supply chain disruptions, global tensions, trade wars, and a changing climate are showing how fragile our industrial systems can be. Artificial intelligence's intense demand on Apple's famous tagline shows our preoccupation with product improvement over process improvement. For too long we have been told that all work in developed countries should be 'knowledge work,' entirely divorced from making things. In industry after industry, from solar panels to semiconductor chips and electric cars, American inventions have been scaled elsewhere. This removes us from the cutting edge. But companies in our own backyard are forging a different path. Aerospace manufacturer Advertisement I often visit such cutting-edge companies and see digital-first design and production flows, and young people of all education levels working with their hands. Graduates of vocational schools are designing new production lines. This dovetails with a surge in interest in trades; the number of students enrolled in The point is that young Americans — new industrialists — are devoting themselves to making things for the common good. Politicians of both parties have enacted policies to encourage the growth of US industry. The specific actions, whether But no government policy will be effective if young people from all walks of life do not take up the mantle of building and maintaining our world. The country needs this generation of builders who are excited about working with their hands, about the satisfactions of building the world, and who see that work as building our communities. David A. Mindell is a professor at MIT and author of The New Lunar Society: An Enlightenment Guide to the Next Industrial Revolution (MIT Press, 2025) and cofounder of an investment firm focused on industrial transformation. He is a founding member of MIT's Send comments to magazine@ Advertisement
