T.J. Watt and the Pittsburgh Steelers are not there yet. But one NFL insider seems convinced that peace is on the horizon ... even amid the view that Watt - the 2021 NFL Defensive Player of the Year who has held out from the team while seeking a rich contract extension - is a "boom-bust'' player.
That, by the way, is not a positive.
The good news here? Adam Schefter of ESPN is offering up positivity as it relates to an eventual deal ... and one that is coming sooner rather than later.
Schefter attempted to provide some additional clarity on the situation during a recent appearance on the "Pat McAfee Show.'' Schefter does not believe Watt's deal will match the $40 million APY deal given Cleveland's Myles Garrett.
But ...
"I don't know that he's going to get more than Myles Garrett," Schefter said. "I think T.J. Watt's going to get a nice, strong, healthy deal...
"I can't imagine T.J. Watt wouldn't be there for the start of training camp, that Pittsburgh would not get a deal done ... He's seen all the money that's gone around, and he wants to make sure he gets rewarded in the appropriate way."
There are a few things to unpack there.
Players like Watt and Dallas Cowboys star Micah Parsons will get significant paydays in the coming weeks or months. But age is a factor.
Being four years younger than Garrett and still entering his athletic prime, Parsons' money might surpass that of the Browns star. Watt, still worth a hefty price, turns 31 this fall with his peak athletic years likely behind him.
And yet ... Schefter is suggesting that "both sides are working to make it happen'' and that Watt figures to "be there for the start of training camp.''
All of this is happening while reviews are coming in on Watt. One analyst says he's no longer a top-10 defender because he's too "boom-bust.''
Regardless, it appears Watt and the Steelers are proceeding toward a deal (with a $100 million guarantee argument in the middle of it). Whenever they arrive at their final destination, expect a huge extension for No. 90. ... and if Schefter is right, expect it to happen in time to avoid a nasty summer-long holdout.