The Pittsburgh Steelers will have one of the more interesting training camps in the entire league when practices begin in just over a month. Not only are they welcoming an all-time great, four-time NFL MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers to the team, but they are currently at a standstill with their best player and his contract. Whether or not TJ Watt will participate in the team's upcoming training camp without a new contract is still yet to be seen, but one Steelers insider may have just given us an idea of what to expect.
Keith Srakocic / AP Photo
TJ Watt participating in his first rookie minicamp as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2017.
While the sides remain a ways apart on a new deal, the question becomes whether or not Watt will attend training camp without a new deal at all, as he did not attend the team's mandatory minicamp earlier this month. As Watt has made it clear he wants a new deal, the Steelers are currently weighing their options. Longtime Steelers beat writer Mark Kaboly gave a quote that reveals some of Watt's plans during an appearance on 93.7 The Fan.
"I guess the next big thing, does he show up to camp," Kaboly asked. "I think he will."
There is a lot to take away from this quote. One of the main things is that Watt will most likely not be staging a holdout from training camp. However, one should not expect Watt to participate with his teammates without a new deal in place. This leads fans and pundits alike to believe that we are heading for another one of Watt's famous "hold-ins." This is very reminiscent of the 2021 season, where Watt attended camp, but refused to take part in any team activities -- instead working out by himself to the side.
Jeffrey Dean / AP Photo
TJ Watt celebrates with the ball in his hand after forcing a turnover against the Cincinnati Bengals in 2022.
The move by Watt back in 2021 did not seem to bother the Steelers or Watt. It seemed that both sides agreed that they wanted to get a deal done before Watt risking himself on the field. While it does not remain a sure thing that Watt will hold-in again, there is still an outside chance that a deal gets done before training camp begins.
The pause from the Steelers remains clear: Watt is on the north side of 30 years old and is going to command over $100 million in guarantees. Fellow pass rusher and division rival Myles Garrett recently signed a four-year, $160 million contract with the Cleveland Browns. Other top pass rushers in the league such as Micah Parsons of the Dallas Cowboys, and the NFL's reigning sack leader Trey Hendrickson of the Cincinnati Bengals, are awaiting new contracts as well. It might be in the best interest of the Steelers to get Watt's deal done before the Cowboys or Bengals have an opportunity to reset the market yet again.
Steelers Must Capitalize On TJ Watt's Prime
Despite all of the rumors about whether or not Watt will show up to training camp, there is an expectation around the league that a deal will eventually get done, but the timing is still uncertain. No matter when Watt gets his new deal, the Steelers' goals for 2025 and beyond remain the same.
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Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin talks with TJ Watt during a game in the 2024 season.
Watt has not won a playoff game in his career, not to any fault of his own. He will turn 31 this coming October however, but has shown no signs of slowing down. For Pittsburgh, the goal for this year is clear, and that is to compete. That should continue to be the goal for the Steelers for as long as Watt is producing the way he has for his entire career when healthy. The Steelers figure to have one of the best defensive units in the entire NFL again this upcoming season, and Watt will once again be the catalyst. For as long as Watt is on the field, expect the Steelers to not only have one of the best defenses in the league, but to always be pushing for a playoff win and beyond.
When do you think Watt and the Steelers will come to an agreement on a new deal? Let us know in the comments below!
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