Why this Watt contract standoff may be different than previous saga

Back in 2021, Pittsburgh Steelers pass-rusher T.J. Watt participated in individual drills during training camp until he signed a contract extension in time to play in the club’s regular-season opener. 

Some reporters have said since June that history essentially could repeat itself as it pertains to Watt’s desire for a pay raise this summer. During multiple Thursday appearances on Pittsburgh sports radio station 93.7 The Fan, Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette explained why Watt holding out through the bulk of August is a realistic scenario this time around. 

“If you remember the last time, I don’t want to say T.J. was unhappy with the way that ended, but T.J. took the deal that was on the table. And I think that’s part of the reason why there’s a little bit more of a hard-line stance this time,” Fittipaldo said, as shared by Alex Kozora of Steelers Depot. 

Four years ago, Watt agreed to a four-year extension that could have been worth over $112M total and included $80M in fully guaranteed money. More recently, Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns reset the market for players at the position when he inked a four-year, $160M deal that included $123.5M guaranteed earlier this offseason. The Steelers reportedly are uneasy about handing Watt an extension similar to or worth more than Garrett’s, in part because of how Watt ended last season. 

Specifically, Watt recorded seven total tackles and zero sacks over his final four games of the 2024 campaign (including the playoffs). The veteran who has somewhat of a worrisome injury history turns 31 years old in October.

While speaking on 93.7 The Fan, Fittipaldo revealed he “wouldn’t be surprised” if Watt is a “no-show” when Pittsburgh players are due to report for training camp on July 23. Fittipaldo also explained why fans shouldn’t reach for a so-called “panic button” just yet.

“As long as the lines of communication are open and they’re still negotiating and things aren’t very bitter between the two parties, I think we’ll be fine,” Fittipaldo said, per Ross McCorkle of Steelers Depot. 

The “all-in” Steelers allegedly “have zero intention of trading” Watt, who is in the final year of his existing deal. It remains to be seen if the situation will turn ugly if Watt doesn’t have an extension in hand by the morning of July 23.