Aaron Rodgers appears ready to join the Pittsburgh Steelers on the practice field, but T.J. Watt is not. The star outside linebacker skipped the start of the team’s mandatory minicamp on Tuesday, likely because he is seeking a new contract as he enters the final year of his current deal.
Watt, a seven-time Pro Bowler and 2021 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, signed a four-year extension in September 2021 worth $112 million, making him the highest-paid defender at that time. However, since then, several players, including Cleveland’s Myles Garrett, have surpassed that figure—Garrett’s recent contract averages $40 million annually, making him the top-paid non-quarterback.
Skipping minicamp marks a change for Watt, who in 2021 staged a “hold-in” during both minicamp and training camp before signing a contract just before the regular season started. Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin said the team expects Watt back eventually and remains confident he’ll be ready whenever he returns.
After his 2021 extension, Watt tied an NFL record with 22.5 sacks and led the league again in 2023, although his sack total dropped to 11.5 last season—the lowest since his rookie year in 2017 when he wasn’t sidelined by injury. Austin also noted Watt’s absence opens opportunities for younger players like third-year linebacker Nick Herbig and rookie Jack Sawyer, though neither matches Watt’s impact on the game.
Watt, turning 31 in October, remains a critical part of the Steelers’ defense, which has helped the team stay competitive despite quarterback changes following Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement in January 2022.
Meanwhile, Rodgers, who agreed to a one-year contract last week, was present at the team facility on Tuesday and is expected to participate when practice starts later in the afternoon.
