Pittsburgh Steelers star move rusher T.J. Watt is just not attending this week’s obligatory minicamp amid his pursuit of a brand new contract, sources advised ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Watt, who’s coming into the ultimate 12 months of his present contract with the Steelers, additionally skipped voluntary OTAs earlier this offseason as he tried to barter a brand new deal.
If he misses all three days of minicamp, Watt could be topic to almost $105,000 in fines.
Although he hasn’t spoken publicly for the reason that finish of the 2024 season, Watt appeared to telegraph that negotiations weren’t going to his liking in April when he posted an image to his Instagram story holding up a peace check in a Steelers jersey.
Watt’s common annual wage is simply over $28 million, however the market has modified for game-changing move rushers since he signed his four-year deal in 2021.
Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett landed a file deal three months in the past that averages $40 million yearly and contains $123.5 million in assured cash, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL historical past.
Watt, who turns 31 in October, has 108 profession sacks — 5.5 greater than Garrett and the sixth most amongst energetic NFL gamers. The four-time All-Professional was the NFL’s Defensive Participant of the 12 months in 2021 and has spent his complete eight-year profession with the Steelers.
ESPN’s Brooke Pryor contributed to this report.