T.J. Watt's holdout from the Pittsburgh Steelers became official this past week when the star edge rusher skipped out on mandatory minicamp. Watt has one year left on his deal and wants to maximize on the value of his next contract.
That's because it will likely be his final opportunity to do so. Watt, set to turn 30 this season, does not have much longer before realizing the final stages of his career.
However, he remains one of the most productive pass rushers and valuable players to a defense of anyone in the NFL. Watt's production numbers did not jump off the page last season, but his influence in creating opportunities for his teammates is still very apparent.
These are all things Watt recognizes and they contribute to his push for an extension potentially on-par with the four-year $160 million contract Myles Garrett signed with the Cleveland Browns a few months back.
According to NFL media's Ian Rapoport, the Steelers have hesitated on getting to that point, saying, "You know, if they possibly can, they're going to try and not make him the highest-paid edge rusher in the NFL."
The Steelers have the space to make it happen, so what's the snag in getting this done? Watt's dip in sack production does raise an eyebrow, so the concern could come from his age to an extent.
If Watt signs an extension similar to Garrett that not only means roughly $40 million in average salary, but also four more years of commitment after 2025.
Looking to years three and four on that deal, any significant downturn in his current output leaves the Steelers in a rough spot. The Steelers will hopefully by then be trying to build around a franchise quarterback and expending resources elsewhere for that purpose.
Watt is a beloved player around the franchise and among the fans, but in that scenario one could imagine why the Steelers hesitant on a long and expensive commitment.
Given their history and Watt's prowess roaming the defensive edge, these two will likely come to terms down the line and perhaps the franchise does cave in to either match or set the market for defensive talent.
But for now in these early negotiating stages, there is some understanding to Pittsburgh's pause to jump at a new contract.
