Why T.J. Watt's absence from mandatory minicamp is no big deal 

With one future Hall of Famer at the center of attention, another was missing in action at the start Steelers mandatory minicamp on Tuesday. Aaron Rodgers is in Pittsburgh with his new teammates while T.J. Watt is at home waiting on a new deal. 

Watt's absence became the undercard to Rodgers' first media session since deciding to sign with the Steelers and extend his career. But even though a player of the caliber of Watt no showing a mandatory portion of the offseason will garb headlines, it's not actually a big deal in this case. 

Watt is withholding his services as he hopes to receive a new long term mega deal, much like the four-year $160 million contract extension signed by Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett in March. Most expect a deal to eventually get done with Watt. 

Watt is set to make about $21 million in base salary in 2025 right now. Based on his actions and what his brother, J.J., has hinted, it's clear the four-time First Team All-Pro and 2021 NFL Defensive Player of the Year is serious about demanding he's paid on level with Garrett and other top defensive stars.  

Watt famously went against his agents' orders, walking in Steelers president Art Rooney II's office to tell him he will agree to their offer when he signed his current contract back in 2021. That scenario is unlikely to happen again, but NFL insider Mike Garafolo says the situation isn't contentious and the Steelers "feel good" about where they are with Watt. 

"I know that they feel good about the talks they've had and the offers they've made, Garafolo said. "Mike Tomlin has the belief that T.J. Watt is going to be just fine working away from the facility." 

And as Garafolo reported, Watt's veteran status and his ongoing talks with the Steelers make his absence from minicamp a non-issue. Watt has spent all eight years of his NFL career playing for Mike Tomlin in Pittsburgh. He knows the franchise. He knows the culture. And most importantly, he knows the system. 

Watt, who has already registered 462 total tackles and 108 career sacks, is at the point in his career that nothing will be gained from him simply spending time at the facility or around his teammates. He also has the trust of his coaches, as they know he will stay in shape and be fully committed when necessary. 

Earlier in the offseason, there was a debate about whether Pittsburgh should shell out more money for a 30-year-old Watt. However, the arrival of Rodgers shows the Steelers are unwilling to embrace a rebuilding season. And if the Steelers aren't going to rebuild and eliminate pressure to win in 2025, they are then going to most definitely bring Watt back. 

The Steelers' mentality and Watt's individual prowess combine to make mandatory minicamp feel not so mandatory when it comes to getting a deal done. Despite this latest hurdle, all signs still point to the two sides staying together for years to come.