T.J. Watt is a centerpiece of the Pittsburgh Steelers defense and over the last eight seasons has carried on a rich Steel City tradition as a game-wrecker.
But right now, as he's embroiled in a contract dispute with the only NFL team he's ever known, something else feels wrecked.
But coach Mike Tomlin, in speaking this week about one of the most feared pass rushers in the league, did say he is "optimistic.'' ...
With an asterisk added.
Watt has totaled 58.5 sacks in four seasons, which included 22.5 sacks in 2021, tying the single season record set by Michael Strahan. What's that worth? The market ws recently re-set by rival edge rusher Myles Garrett with an extension paying out $40 million per year with the Cleveland Browns.
Maynbe now that minicamp has ended, the front office can accelerate its efforts here?
“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.”
We can make the argument that Watt is the most important and best Steeler to play here in the last decade. At the same time, the six-time All-Pro linebacker - who was not in attendance for the team's mandatory minicamp this week and will therefore be fined over $100,000 for his holdout - is under contract.
Watt's exact asking price is not exactly clear to this point, but it has certainly climbed with that move and other corresponding actions. As it stands, he will have the most expensive cap hit for the Steelers this season with an expected figure of over $30 million.