When the Pittsburgh Steelers opened minicamp this week, newly signed quarterback Aaron Rodgers was there but one prominent member of the team’s defense wasn’t.
Star pass-rusher T.J. Watt is arguably the most important player on the Steelers’ roster, but until the team gives him a lucrative new contract, they shouldn’t expect to see him around their facility.
Though Watt, who had 53 pressures, 24 hurries, 17 QB hits, 11.5 sacks, six forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries last season, per Pro Football Focus, was a no-show at voluntary minicamp, head coach Mike Tomlin didn’t seem too worried about it on Wednesday.
“Certainly, we'd like him to be here, but certainly not surprised by where we are,” Tomlin said.
But by Thursday, with seemingly everyone talking about Watt’s absence on social media, Tomlin seemingly did his best to put everyone at ease regarding Watt’s future.
“I'm optimistic we're going to get things done because we got two sides that want to get things done,” Tomlin said. “When that's going to occur… I do not know.”
Tomlin’s remarks seemed to have caused a bit of a stir among Steelers fans, many of whom took to social media to express their thoughts on Watt’s holdout.
“Pay the man. Pay HIMMMM,” one fan exclaimed.
“Feels like they just want to get every other notable offseason move out the way before this,” another fan added.
“You better get things done or I’m gonna have something to say about it,” a third fan stated.
“It'll be a non-issue until training camp. Right now it's just contract negotiations and boring summer NFL filler space,” one user declared.
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin talks with outside linebacker T.J. Watt (90) against the Buffalo Bills during the second half at Highmark Stadium.
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin talks with outside linebacker T.J. Watt (90) against the Buffalo Bills during the second half at Highmark Stadium.
Rich Barnes-Imagn Images
“Hopefully, he's being treated in a way that makes him feel respected through the process. That's important,” another user replied.
“They'll work something out, they'd be stupid not to on the other hand I'd love him on the Packers ;),” one fan quipped.
This isn’t the first time Steelers fans have had a mild meltdown about Watt’s contract status.
Earlier in the offseason, the 2021 Defensive Player of the Year, gave fans a scare when he posted a photo of himself holding up the peace sign on his social media, which many took as a sign Watt was hinting he would leave Pittsburgh if he wasn’t given the contract he wants.
Cleveland’s Myles Garrett signed a monster $40 million-per-year extension shortly after the season ended, and its believed Watt is looking for something in that neighborhood.