Brooke Pryor
PITTSBURGH — Aaron Rodgers is in the building, but T.J. Watt is not.
Watt is not attending the Pittsburgh Steelers’ mandatory minicamp this week amid his pursuit of a new contract.
Watt, who is entering the final year of his current contract with the Steelers, also skipped voluntary OTAs earlier this offseason as he attempted to negotiate a new deal.
“Certainly we’d like him to be here, but certainly not surprised by where we are,” Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin said. “We’ve expressed the desire to get the business done, he has as well, and so we’ll continue to work. We’ve been here before.”
If Watt misses all three days of minicamp, Watt would be subject to nearly $105,000 in fines. Pittsburgh opened its minicamp Tuesday, when Rodgers is expected to practice with his new teammates for the first time.
Watt last signed a four-year, $112 million deal in 2021 that averaged $28 million per year. Myles Garrett reset the pass rusher market three months ago, however, with a record deal that averages $40 million annually and includes $123.5 million in guaranteed money, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.
Watt, who turns 31 in October, hasn’t spoken publicly since the end of the 2024 season, but he seemingly expressed frustration with the negotiations in April when he posted a picture to his Instagram story of himself flashing a peace sign in a Steelers jersey.
“He’s handling his business,” Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin said, “he’s doing his thing and we’ve touched base a few times this summer, but it’s not about the football stuff. I’m just seeing how he’s doing, how his family’s doing, new baby, all that good stuff. So when TJ shows up, he’ll be ready to go.”
The Steelers, meanwhile, have remained steadfast in their optimism that a deal will get done. General manager Omar Khan told reporters in March that he was “very hopeful that T.J. will finish his career as a Steeler.”
Watt has 108 career sacks — 5.5 more than Garrett and the sixth most among active NFL players. The four-time All-Pro was the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2021 and has spent his entire eight-year career with the Steelers.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
