Steelers Fans Should Beware Of Warning Signs In Mike Tomlin's Tone About TJ Watt

The Pittsburgh Steelers are in an interesting situation with their superstar edge rusher TJ Watt. The team had an opportunity to negotiate a contract extension earlier, but chose to wait, and now the edge rusher market has rapidly increased. Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett just landed a $40 million per year deal, setting a new standard. With Watt widely regarded as one of the league's top defensive players, it is likely he will expect to top that number. Though he is under contract through 2025, Watt has now skipped all of mandatory minicamp this week.

When asked about Watt's absence, Head Coach Mike Tomlin gave a calm and vague response, brushing off any concern. However, not everyone was convinced. Tomlin made it sound like Watt’s presence was expected, leaving the door open to further speculation.

Steelers insider Mark Kaboly said on his Kaboly + Mack podcast Thursday that he found Tomlin’s tone and phrasing to be quietly alarming. Kaboly believes that Tomlin’s handling of the situation may point to a deeper concern inside the organization. If Watt is indeed looking to reset the market, the Steelers will soon be faced with a major financial decision. 

"I mean, Tomlin could have just said, 'Dude, it’s no big deal,' or whatever," Kaboly said. "But Tomlin made it sound like, you know, maybe he should be here as well."

Kaboly highlighted that the Steelers’ longtime captain Cam Heyward, who is 36 years old, has been present with the team, which makes Watt’s absence stand out even more, especially since Watt is still under contract through the 2025 season. Heyward experienced a contract dispute during the 2024 offseason and initially skipped the first part of Organized Team Activities, but he ultimately showed up and stayed focused.

That was Heyward’s first time missing OTAs, and even then, he did not let it become a distraction because he understood the importance of being with the team. With training camp fast approaching and no deal yet reached with Watt, the Steelers may soon face a high-stakes contract standoff involving one of their most critical players.

"I guess we have to just stay tuned on it," Kaboly said. "Obviously, he’s not gonna show up the next couple of days, but let’s say if it doesn’t get done here by July 23rd. I thought for sure he would show up at minicamp, but they can fine him. They probably won’t fine him, though."

Kaboly does not believe the Steelers will fine Watt, but they certainly have the option if they choose to. Watt’s decision to skip mandatory minicamp is a strong sign of how far he is willing to go to make sure his contract situation is resolved. He has been the Steelers’ best player for several seasons and one of the top performers in the entire NFL.

Watt likely feels he deserves to be taken care of before playing the final season on his current contract. He believes he deserves a top-dollar deal, especially given his competitive rivalry with Garrett. Garrett’s $40 million per year contract only raises the stakes and makes it harder for the Steelers to hold firm. 

Steelers And TJ Watt Facing A Real Road Block

While Watt certainly deserves what he asks for, the reality of the NFL’s competitiveness and his age, as he is approaching the other side of his prime at the age of 30, makes it difficult to justify a massive long-term contract because there is concern his prime years may be limited.

It will be very interesting to see when a deal is finally reached with Watt. Almost every Steelers insider expects the team to take care of him, but there is reportedly a large offer on the table that Watt has yet to accept. Kaboly speculated that the hold-up could be something as simple as a few contract details. Now, Steeler Nation waits to see if and when their superstar pass rusher will sign a new deal.

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