T. J. Watt skips mandatory Steelers practice: What does that mean for his future in Pittsburgh?

The ongoing saga of T. J. Watt’s new contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers continues to rumble on, leaving open the very real possibility that he leaves in the near future.

Watt, now 30, has spent the entirety of his stellar NFL career in Pittsburgh but he is now entering the final year of his current deal. Talks with between Watt and the Steelers have not yet reached a compromise and the player was absent from the team’s mandatory minicamp this week.

Earlier this month Watt skipped the team’s voluntary OTAs but this latest absence is significantly more serious. ESPN reports that Watt could face a $105,000 fine if he misses all three days of the camp.

Watt’s current deal was signed in 2021 and averages $28 million per season. At the time that was one of the highest in the league for his position but it has since been blown out of the water by the deal offered to Myles Garrett, worth $40 million per year.

Earlier this year Pittsburgh general manager Omar Khan told reporters that he is “very hopeful that T.J. will finish his career as a Steeler” but fans will hope to see movement in negotiations soon.

The Pittsburgh Steelers only recently ended their long pursuit of quarterback Aaron Rodgers, finally securing the services of the veteran quarterback. However the longer that Watt’s situation goes unresolved the more it will hamper team preparations for the 2025 NFL season.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment.Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.