Mike Tomlin and Steelers are reportedly ready to move forward with TJ Watt after Aaron Rodgers’ arrival

Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers are still working to reach an agreement with TJ Watt. According to a report from Adam Schefter, the contract is expected to be signed, but it’s unlikely the amount will surpass the $40 million per season that Myles Garrett received from the Browns.

“I don’t know if he’s going to get more than Myles Garrett. I think TJ Watt is going to get a nice, strong, healthy deal. I think at some point in time the two sides will be able to figure out a way to get this done. Both sides are working to make it happen, but TJ has seen all the money that’s gone around and he wants to make sure that he gets rewarded in the appropriate way.”

Watt has seen how Garrett reset the market, and in the Steelers’ particular case, the star linebacker has also witnessed the massive contract DK Metcalf received (without being a Pittsburgh player before) and all the media attention surrounding Aaron Rodgers. These are factors that led him to skip the mandatory minicamp as a way to apply pressure.

Is T.J. Watt a free agent?

No. TJ Watt is not a free agent, as he’s entering the final year of his contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers. That’s why the veteran is seeking a significant raise in his salary.

However, Schefter mentions that the Steelers won’t give him $40 million per season, and that Micah Parsons will likely end up with a better contract than both Watt and Garrett once he reaches a deal with the Dallas Cowboys.

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NFL News: TJ Watt’s key factor in contract negotiations with Mike Tomlin’s Steelers

“I think Myles Garrett is in his own class. I think Micah Parsons is going to become the highest paid defensive player. TJ Watt is going to get a really strong deal, but I don’t know exactly where it’s gonna come in. I would be suprised if it’s higher than Myles Garrett.”