T.J. Watt was absent from OTAs this 12 months, and now, he’ll reportedly miss necessary minicamp, too. He needs a contract extension from the Pittsburgh Steelers, however the two sides have but to agree on a deal. With Watt skipping minicamp, his future is unsure. It feels just like the Steelers will give him a brand new contract, however there’s no assure that can occur. Nonetheless, CBS Sports activities insider Jonathan Jones feels assured that Watt will play for the Steelers this 12 months.
“I don’t see, below any circumstances, T.J. Watt being on one other workforce apart from the Pittsburgh Steelers,” Jones mentioned Tuesday on CBS Sports activities HQ. “I believe, finally, they’re going to come to phrases on an settlement. One which they most likely ought to’ve come to phrases on months in the past, if not a 12 months in the past.”
Regardless of issues getting a bit messier throughout this contract dispute, it looks like Watt is destined to stay a Steeler. Pittsburgh doesn’t actually have a motive to commerce him. They’re not pressed for cap area, they usually’ve proven a dedication to profitable. Buying and selling Watt strikes them additional away from their objective, particularly at this level within the offseason.
Nonetheless, Jones is appropriate that the Steelers put themselves on this state of affairs. In addition to an injury-riddled 2022 season, Watt has continued to be among the best gamers within the league. He deserves a giant extension. The Steelers may’ve given it to him sooner, and they’d’ve saved some cash.
As an alternative, they caught to their precedent, ensuing within the edge rusher market growing considerably. Myles Garrett and Maxx Crosby reset the market. Additionally, Micah Parsons continues to be making an attempt to get an extension. If his deal will get completed earlier than Watt’s, that price ticket will doubtless go up once more.
The Steelers will most likely get a deal completed with Watt ultimately. They’ve taken care of most of their gamers earlier than. This deal is probably going taking a bit longer due to how a lot cash it entails. It’s a much bigger deal, so Pittsburgh might be exercising a bit extra warning in negotiations. Nonetheless, Watt is value each penny. Giving him the contract that he needs is the appropriate transfer.
