TJ Watt decided not to attend the Pittsburgh Steelers’ mandatory minicamp in a clear sign that he is not happy with the way the team has handled negotiations to extend his contract.
The star is entering the final year of the deal he signed in 2021 (which made him the highest-paid defensive player at the time), but now the market is very different, and Watt is hoping for an update that reflects his importance to the franchise.
The big question among fans and experts is whether the Steelers should pay nearly $40 million per year to a veteran who is about to turn 31. The number seems very high, although TJ has more than proven that he is one of the cornerstones of the team alongside Cam Heyward.
Will TJ Watt sign a contract extension with Steelers?
According to a report by Tom Pelissero, TJ Watt is set to sign a contract extension with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The key point in the negotiations appears to be how much guaranteed money the player will receive.
“I anticipate a deal is going to get done there eventually. You’re taking about coming from a small number ($21 million) and also a player who’s 31. He has been banged up over the last couple of years. The question is with a player of that age, above all else, what’s the guaranteed money that’s going to take to get it done. Are you comfortable with a player at that age paying upwards $100 million in guaranteed money on a multiple year contract extension? I believe they’re ultimately going to get there.”
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