T.J. Watt’s holdout on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ necessary minicamp is among the largest tales across the NFL as we speak, however the staff doesn’t appear that involved internally. DC Teryl Austin spoke to the media as we speak and struck a peaceful, business-as-usual tone when requested about his absence.
“We’re gonna maintain getting ready and shifting forward. We count on him again sooner or later and he’ll get caught up as quick, he’ll be in nice form like he at all times is,” Austin mentioned in audio offered by the staff. “So no worries. I feel it’s really a terrific alternative for younger guys to get extra reps and see what they’ll do and good-on-good competitors.”
Watt’s absence is notable as a result of he did a hold-in again in 2021 underneath related circumstances. Escalating issues to not be in attendance and danger the fines for lacking camp means one thing. Although it’s price noting that he’s a brand new father this offseason and has motive to wish to be residence so long as potential in his youngster’s early months. A 3-day minicamp is not going to make or break Watt or this protection.
The way in which Austin talks about Watt didn’t seem to be a coach who’s anxious concerning the happenings behind the scenes with the contract negotiations. Watt can be receiving the largest contract in staff historical past by way of APY, so it is sensible that they’re taking their time with the negotiations. Ensures are doubtless a giant a part of that dialog and matching or surpassing Myles Garrett’s $40 million APY could possibly be a motivator as properly.
Austin has spoken to Watt all through the offseason, so he ought to have a good understanding of the place issues stand between him and the staff.
“We at all times do [stay in touch],” Austin mentioned. “He’s dealing with his enterprise. He’s doing this factor and we’ve touched base just a few instances this summer season, nevertheless it’s not concerning the soccer stuff. I’m simply seeing how he’s doing, how his household’s doing, new child, all that great things. So when T.J. Watt reveals up, he’ll be able to go.”
It’s in all probability a protected assumption that Watt received’t arrive over the subsequent two days with a brief three-day minicamp. The post-minicamp interval of the calendar is the slowest time of yr within the NFL as many staff officers go their separate methods for some much-needed relaxation and rest with their households.
Coaching camp in just a little over a month can be the subsequent deadline that would spur motion. If he holds out of coaching camp, the fines add up quicker and the media noise will develop with it.
