Behind the Steel Curtain
The Steelers star wants a new contract
Pittsburgh Steelers star T.J. Watt is skipping mandatory mini-camp as he continues to seek a new contract, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The star edge rusher will likely turn down any deal that isn’t equal to or greater than the deal that Cleveland Browns' edge rusher Myles Garrett received, which was a $40 million per year deal.
Watt did not attend OTAs, which isn’t uncommon for veterans and din’t seem to draw up much attention. However, he will now be subjected to fines for missing mandatory dates on the schedule. Per Schefter, the fines over three days will accumulate to over $104,000.
The Steelers have been in this situation before with Watt, which ended with him going to the negotiating table himself during training camp in 2021 and telling both sides to get a deal done. And while it is widely assumed a deal with Watt will be reached, the Steelers continuing to drag their feet isn’t a great look.
