- Oct 6, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) looks at the action during the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

Pittsburgh Steelers Star T.J. Watt Not Attending Mandatory Minicamp

Originally posted on Total Apex Sports | By Justin Rimpi | Last updated Jun 10, 2025 11:55 AM ET

Pittsburgh Steelers pass rusher T.J. Watt did not show up for the first day of the team’s mandatory minicamp. He and the team have been locked in a contract dispute this offseason. Watt is entering the final year of his four-year $112 million contract. Even though Steelers General Manager Omar Khan has remained steadfast in his belief a deal with the perennial All-Pro will get done, this is not a promising first step.

Watt is set to incur nearly $105,000 in fines for missing all three days of the minicamp. His contract demands are reportedly in line with the lucrative contractive extension Cleveland Browns Defensive End Myles Garrett signed earlier this offseason. Garrett is making $40 million per season as the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. How will the situation between the star and the Pittsburgh Steelers resolve itself?

T.J. Watt Career Summary

Steelers standout edge rusher T.J. Watt, also seeking a new contract, is not attending Pittsburgh’s mandatory minicamp, per source.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 10, 2025

Watt is arguably the best defensive player in the league. He has made seven consecutive Pro Bowls and is a four-time First-Team All-Pro. He was also named the Defensive Player of the Year in 2021. He also has four other top-five finishes in DPOY voting. With 108 career sacks, he is sixth in the league in sacks among active players. He has 5.5 more career sacks than Garrett. That is one of the reasons why he wants a contact commensurate to Garrett’s.

Final Thoughts

It is tough to imagine Watt and the Steelers not agreeing before the regular season. Both sides know that they are better together. It is incumbent on the team to meet the star players demands. The Aaron Rodgers signing signified the team is going all in on the upcoming season. That cannot be the case without Watt in uniform.

This article first appeared on Total Apex Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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