Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt. Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

Mike Tomlin has one-word answer about T.J. Watt's status

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Jun 11, 2025 8:01 AM ET

Star edge-rusher T.J. Watt was a no-show for the first day of mandatory minicamp with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but the organization does not sound too concerned.

Watt is seeking a new contract from the Steelers and is skipping minicamp until he gets one. Coach Mike Tomlin said Watt’s absence was not a surprise, and that the two sides are working to get something done.

When asked if he was concerned about Watt’s future with the Steelers, Tomlin offered a simple one-word answer: “No.”

Mike Tomlin was asked if there's concern about T.J. Watt's future with the Steelers, and said simply: "No." https://t.co/No7q2ChL6W
— MarkMaske (@MarkMaske) June 10, 2025

Watt has been hinting for a while at unhappiness over his contract. He is entering the final year of a four-year, $112 million extension he signed in September 2021, and has made it clear that he wants to remain with the team, but also wants to be fairly compensated. At least publicly, the Steelers are acknowledging that demand and seem willing to work with Watt to address the situation.

The situation is serious enough that there has been trade speculation, but that does not appear to be something the Steelers are entertaining at this time.

Watt collected 11.5 sacks for Pittsburgh last season and was selected to his seventh Pro Bowl. The 30-year-old should post big numbers again in 2025 provided his contract situation is worked out.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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