Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt has been present for every practice this offseason, but he hasn’t been a full participant due to his contract situation.
Watt, 26, is currently set to play this season on the fifth-year option from his rookie contract. As you’d expect, he’s seeking a lucrative extension from the Steelers.
On Tuesday, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin addressed Watt’s “hold-in”and negotiations with the team. Tomlin doesn’t sound very concerned as of now.
“That negotiation process is going to run its course,” Tomlin said. “Some run their courses faster than others. If I remember correctly, Cam Heyward had less than 100 percent participation when he was in a similar circumstance a short time ago.”
Tomlin added that Watt is “highly conditioned” and working with the strength staff in Pittsburgh. That’s a good sign that he’ll be in shape for Week 1.
Tomlin on T.J. Watt: “That negotiation process is going to run its course. Some run their courses faster than others. If I remember correctly, Cam Heyward had less than 100 percent participation when he was in a similar circumstance a short time ago.”
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) August 10, 2021
As for when a deal may get done, Steelers owner and president Art Rooney II recently said that he’d like to take care of business prior to the start of the regular season.
“We’d like to get T.J.’s deal done, if we can, before the start of the season,” said Rooney. “That’s the goal. I don’t like to get into those details in terms of the discussions, but we’re going to try to get it done by the start of the season if we can.”
Watt was sensational for the Steelers in 2020, racking up 53 total tackles, 23 tackles for loss, 15 sacks and two forced fumbles. That type of production definitely warrants a significant raise.
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