Wisconsin football legend absent for Steelers mandatory minicamp
- T.J. Watt is skipping mandatory minicamp due to a contract dispute with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
- Watt is entering the final year of his current contract and is seeking a new deal comparable to recent high-value contracts signed by other top edge rushers.
- The Steelers star has impressive career stats, including 108 sacks and seven Pro Bowl selections.
- Watt’s performance in the 2024 season earned him a fourth-place finish in Defensive Player of the Year voting
- Former Wisconsin football and current Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher T.J. Watt will not attend mandatory minicamp this week due to a contract dispute.
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As reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rappaport and Mike Garafolo, Watt continues to seek a new contract as he enters the final year of his four-year, $112 million deal. Watt and the Steelers’ brass have made no progress on a long-term extension, according to reports.
The new market for edge rushers across the NFL reflects Watt’s hesitancy in suiting up for the offseason minicamp. Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby inked a deal with an annual value of $35.5 million this offseason, while superstar edge rusher Myles Garrett agreed to a four-year, $160 million deal with the Cleveland Browns in March.
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Watt, who has proven he belongs in discussions alongside those players, will look to demand a deal of a similar magnitude.
In eight seasons with the Steelers, Watt has registered 462 tackles (331 solo), 225 quarterback hits, 126 tackles for loss and 108.0 sacks. The former Badger has also forced 33 fumbles and snared seven interceptions in 121 starts at outside linebacker.
