Mike Tomlin takes a clear stance when asked about T.J. Watt's contract negotiations and his future with the Pittsburgh Steelers

But for Mike Tomlin, it's not exactly the end of the world...

Mike Tomlin wishes T.J. Watt was there but understands why he is not

"Certainly we'd like him [T.J. Watt] to be here, but certainly not surprised by where we are," said Tomlin on Tuesday. "We've expressed a desire to get the business done, [and] he has as well, and so we'll continue to work. We've been here before about his future...

"...Whatever communication transpires between he and I will remain there." When asked if he had any concerns surrounding Watt's future with the team, Tomlin said "No." 

It's clear that the Steelers and Watt are at an impasse. All of these parties are in a staring contest right now. T.J. Watt and his reps don't want to sign a deal until Micah Parsons and Trey Hendrickson sign one, because then Watt could be jumped by either player. 

All of this is for not however, if the Steelers just pay Watt and make him the highest earning non-quarterback in the league, surppasing divsion rival Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns. 

So the Steelers should have gotten this done a long time ago. There is no debating that.

Waiting never helps in these situations. The price only goes up for the player, and Watt may be in his 30s, but he has all the leverage in these negotiations. The Steelers simply don't win games when he's not on the field. They are 1-10 when Watt doesn't play.

Getting it done now, as opposed to waiting until training camp or even after, ends a lot of headaches. Both for Watt and the Steelers.